20 Años de Investigaciones Del Creol Haitiano
20 Años de Investigaciones Del Creol Haitiano
20 Años de Investigaciones Del Creol Haitiano
Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
© by Emmanuel W. VÉDRINE
www.potomitan.info/vedrine/index.php
CreoleEditions@gmail.com – HaitianLanguage@gmail.com
(Haitian Creole title) 20 Ane Rechèch ak Piblikasyon santre sou Ayiti, e sou Kreyòl: yon rezime zèv
konplè Emmanuel W. Védrine.
NOTE (for research): Atlantic Creole; Bibliography research on Haiti; Bilingual Education;
Caribbean languages /studies; Contact with professional Haitian translators and editors; Creole
/Kreyol lexicon; Creole philology; Cultural anthropology; Dictionary and Glossary Projects;
Documents for teachers’ seminars; Essays in Haitian Creole; French-based Creole; Haiti’s Electronic
Directory; Haitian Creole database; Haitian Creole Dictionaries / Bilingual dictionaries; Haitian
Creole Linguistics; Haitian (culture, diaspora, education, history, language, literature in creole,
traditions); Legal documents; Literacy Projects in Kreyol; Local organizations; Long distance
tutoring and teaching of Haitian Creole; Medical (documents, terminologies, translation);
Proofreading (of translated materials); Publishing advice; School projects in Haiti (for bilingual
programs); Teaching materials (in English /Creole) for schools in Haiti..
NÒT (pou rechèch): Kreyòl (zòn) atlantik; Rechèch bibliyografik sou Ayiti; Edikasyon bileng; Lang
karibeyen /etid; Kontak ak tradiktè /editè ayisyen pwofesyonèl; Leksik kreyòl; Filoloji kreyòl;
Antwopoloji kiltirèl; Pwojè diksyonè ak glosè (lis mo); Dokiman pou seminè anseyan /pwofesè; Esè
an kreyòl; Kreyòl a baz fransè; Anyè elektwonik Ayiti; Bazdone (bank done) kreyòl; Diksyonè kreyòl
ayisyen /bileng; Lengwistik kreyòl; Kilti (dyaspora, edikasyon, lang) ayisyen); Literati ayisyen an
kreyòl; Tradisyon ayisyen; Dokiman legal; Pwojè alfabetizasyon an kreyòl; Oganizasyon lokal;
Anseyman kreyòl long distans ak leson patikilye; Dokiman (tèminoloji, tradiksyon) medikal; Lekti
pou korije (materyèl ki tradui); Sèvis piblikasyon; Pwojè lekòl Ayiti (pou pwogram bileng); Materyèl
didaktik (an anglè /kreyòl) pou lekòl Ayiti.
1
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
INDEX : ENDÈKS
2
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
JEBCA (www.jebcaeditions.org).
VEDCREP (www.potomitan.info/vedrine/index.php).
3
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Emmanuel W. Védrine… Great and tireless advocate and illustrator of Creole ... I am impressed
with Védrine’s motivation for the development of Haitian Creole as a language that can be
standardized and adapted to serve all the functions of its speakers and, in particular, members of the
American Diaspora who required medical, social, and educational services in the language… Given
the limited resources at his disposal, the linguistic tools Védrine has produced are noteworthy… A
prolific author of literary and educational materials in Haitian Creole… . He would be an invaluable
collaborator to any project involving the description of Haitian Creole and the preparation of
various linguistic tools for the language.”. –– Prof. Albert Valdman, Indiana University
INTRODUCTION : ENTWODIKSYON
With the internet access today, we can use Ak aksè entèt la jounen jodiya, nou kapab
it to do so much work in our field. We can itilize l pou fè yon dal ak yon pakèt travay
use it not only to document our works, but nan domèn nou. Nou ka itilize l non
also to help those who are not living in the sèlman pou dokimante travay nou, men
same areas as us, and those who are living tou pou ede sa yo ki ka pa nan menm
in other countries. We can create, and andwa ak nou, sa yo k ap viv nan lòt peyi.
develop many activities with our potential Nou kapab kreye, e devlope anpil aktivite
in order to help in all domains. ak potansyèl nou pou ede nan tout sans.
More than twenty years ago, we started out Plis pase ven ane de sa, nou te derape ak
with a philosophy to develop teaching yon filozofi pou devlope materyèl didaktik
materials for Haitian Bilingual Programs pou ede Pwogram Bileng Ayisyen
(in the United States). We were always (Etazini). Nou te toujou ap panse nan ki
thinking in what ways we could reach out fason nou te ka atenn pi fò lekòl, anseyan,
most schools, teachers, students, and elèv ak moun k ap fè rechèch pou pataje
researchers to share with them what we
ak yo sa nou te gen disponib.
have available.
We would mail out materials, and Nou te konn poste materyèl, ak dokiman
documents to reach them, publish what we pou te rive jwenn yo, pibliye sa nou te
could in some newspapers, but always with kapab nan kèk jounal, men toujou ak
the intention to share what we have, entansyon pou pataje sa nou genyen, pase
because “Giving a little bit is not stingy” as pwovèb ayisyen an di: «Bay piti pa chich».
the Haitian saying goes.
Our website on the Creole language is a Pajwèb nou an sou lang kreyòl la, se yon
sample of work in our own field (language, echantiyon travay nan pwòp domèn nou
linguistics, education and research). (lang, lengwistik, edikasyon ak rechèch).
Our first target is the native country, Haiti, Premye sib nou se peyi natal la, Ayiti, ki
that has more needs in the area of gen plis bezwen nan domèn rechèch,
research, documentation, and teaching dokimantasyon ak materyèl didaktik.
materials.
Research centers almost don’t exist there; Prèske pa egziste sant rechèch la, e ti sa ki
4
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
and the very few that exist are not ta genyen yo pa ekipe ak bon jan zouti pou
equipped with real tools to help. ede.
Our contacts multiply rapidly over the Kontak nou yo miltipliye rapidman pandan
years, when other people not only contact ane yo, lè lòt moun non sèlman kontakte
us, but also use materials that we’ve been nou, men tou itilize materyèl n ap pwodui
producing from time to time. yo tanzantan.
Many institutions in Haiti as well as abroad Anpil enstitisyon Ayiti, kou aletranje vin
make use of our website as a source of itilize pajwèb nou an kòm yon sous referans
resources and references, especially for sou lang matènèl la (kreyòl), ak sijè ki relye. Sa,
research on the native language (Kreyol), and nan yon sans, vin ankouraje nou plis nan
related subjects. This, in a way, encourages us travay n ap fè.
more in the work we’ve been doing.
On that note, we are encouraging all Sou nòt sa a, n ap ankouraje tout chèrchè,
researchers, writers, students, and teachers ekriven, etidyan, ak anseyan pran kèk minit
to take some minutes to reflect on how pou reflechi sou kòman yo kapab itilize
they can use this great tool (the internet) to gwo zouti sa a (entènèt la) pou ede Ayiti
help Haiti (in their own field). (nan pwòp domèn yo).
Emmanuel W. VEDRINE,
Editor-in-chief : Redaktè an chef
E. W. VEDRINE CREOLE PROJECT, Inc.
& Les Éditions VEDRINE Editions
5
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
***
•(Electronic) Directory •Articles & Essays •Bibliographies •Jokes •Civics •Comments
•Correspondences •Debate •Riddles •Dictionaries & Lexicon • E. W. Védrine's books distribution
•Editing & Translating •Education in Haiti, and Haitian bilingual programs •Flora & Fauna •Gallery
•Grammar •History •Biographical note •Interviews •Sketch •Poetry •Proverbs •Novels & Short
stories •Sociolinguistics •In praise of the author
•Anyè (elektwonik) •Atik & Esè •Bibliyografi •Blag •Sivik •Kòmantè •Korespondans •Deba •
Devinèt •Diksyonè & Leksik •Distribitè liv E. W. Védrine •Edisyon & Tradiksyon •Edikasyon an
Ayiti, enkli pwogram bileng ayisyen •Flora & Fauna •Galri •Gramè •Istwa •Endis biyografik
•Entèvyou •Pyesèt •Pwezi •Pwovèb • Roman & Istwa kout •Sosyolengwistik •Lomeyans pou otè a
Haiti’s Super Web Directory : Anyè Elektwonik Ayiti : Annuaire Electronique d’Haïti. What
is this directory about? The answer is: information about Haiti & Her Diaspora. Sometimes some
people wander how they can help Haiti. I came across many young Haitian Americans and friends
of Haiti who ask that question. As researcher, bibliographer and writer (doing research mostly
related to Haiti, and Haitian Creole), I realize that it is important to have an On-line Directory that
would include everything related to Haiti and the Haitian Diaspora. There are also people who are
researching on Haiti and who are constantly asking for information because they did not have access
to a directory that would include everything from “A” to “Z”. I took note of that and try to use the
internet access in order to ease research on Haiti in the 21st Century. So, I invite anyone who is
interested in Haiti to visit this directory to see what’s there and to send us what they have available
to enrich it. We post the documents free of charge and we try to update the directory quite often
since people are constantly sending us new information. I would like to credit Marilyn Mason for
some prior works done in relation to this web research. Also, “thank you” would not be enough to
say to Francesca Palli who is the webmaster. Francesca has demonstrated her deep love for Haiti,
and for Creole Cultures by spending long hours arranging these documents so that everyone can
have access to them.
Themes and electronic texts (mostly in English, French, Haitian Creole / Kreyòl; few are in Spanish)
covering areas such as: Art; Art & Literature; Associations & organizations; Bibliographies; Business; Civic
duties; Conferences; Consumer rights; Culture; Development; Diaspora; Directories; Dissertations; Documents related
to the Dominican Republic and Haiti; Editors (different areas); Embassy & Consular; Employment; Environment
and Weather; Essays; Forums; Genealogy; General research; Government; Haitian Creole; Haitian media (in Haiti
& the Diaspora); Health; History; Human rights; Human services; Individual CV's; Institutes; Institutions;
Language (and resources); Websites; Legal issues; Linguistics; Literacy (in Kreyòl); Link to creole speaking countries;
Literature (French, Creole); News; Orthography (Haitian Creole); Politics; Publications; Publishers; Religion;
Science & Technology; Translators (English, French, Haitian Creole).
6
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole : A review of publications from colonial times to 2000. 700
p. © copyright 2003 by Emmanuel W. Védrine. Publisher: Educa Vision (www.educavision.com).
12 Janvye 2010, yon pèt kapital pou milye entelektyèl ayisyen. [January 12, 2010: a great lost for
the Haitian intellectual milieu]. January 12, 2010.
Ale nan kolèj: pwoblèm ak solisyon. [Going to college, problem and solution].
An defans yon ‘frankofoni vivan e popilè ’yon tèks Nicolas Sarkozy. [In defense of a ‘live and
popular francophonie’, a text by Nicolas Sarkozy (Former president of France)].
A healing paradigm for a new Haiti (Unpub. manuscript of essays : Maniskri esè, inedi).
[ABSTRACT: The objective of this book of essays is to try to present “The Haitian Reality” through
a collection of selected articles I wrote between 1990 and 2007. The book is divided into 8 chapters
(Civics, Education, Environment, Development, Haitian history, Haitian youth, Haitian language, and Haitian
politics) where these articles are classified accordingly by subjects. There would be so much to say
about such a broad theme, but here it is limited to a panorama to open up the path to this
interesting and crucial subject for further discussion.
As a Haitian who has been living in Diaspora (since 1976), I still remain connected with the
homeland where, on a daily basis, I feel troubled by Haiti’s mountain of problems which in a way
also makes me think of the semantics of Haiti’s indigenous name Ayiti, meaning mountainous land. In
Haiti, one would find a chain of mountains throughout the country that many of my compatriots
(both in Haiti and in the Diaspora) share my feelings and future expectations for a better Haiti.
These writings are a way to talk about some of these problems and some of their possible solutions
at the same time to an expansive audience, a way to force the mind of many compatriots to develop
a critical and creative consciousness, a whole wake-up call for a collective work that can lead to the
contribution of something positive toward the development and welfare of our dear Haiti. With
many hands, the burden is light and concentrated and thus worthwhile…
For those researching on Haiti, it is not easy to find books of “essays” that would touch on “Haiti’s
Reality” or “the Haitian Reality”, a subject that I’ve been interested in and one that I have tried to
work on in the last decade. As a native of Haiti and one who has lived this reality, one who has also
traveled widely to observe other parts of the world to compare and contrast, and as a conscious
writer who has been dreaming to see a new Haiti, a democratic one where human rights are being
respected, and where everyone would be able to receive a free education (as it is stipulated in the
1987 Constitution, a Haiti where everyone would be able to eat at least a full meal once a day, a Haiti
where everyone would feel secure, one where corruption would not find an easy and permanent
home, one where nobody would be above the law, one where everyone can be engaged in some
daily activities, one where violence of any type would be buried, etc...
I am very delighted to have contributed to this type of writing, not just as one of the witnesses of
part of the unfolding history of the 20th and 21st century but also as someone who is trying to
7
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
contribute to a type of legacy from which the new generation of Haitians and the ones to come will
benefit from. I hope that every reader of this book finds in every single page something that
stimulates their thinking to reflect deeper and deeper on issues pertaining to Haiti.]
«Ann pale de bwa ak fri Ayiti». [Let’s talk about trees and fruits in Haiti].
Aristide in past tense: homework to be corrected by Préval, Haiti's new elected president.
[Aristide, tan pase: devwa pou Preval, nouvo prezidan eli, korije].
«Èske gen vrè kritik literè ki fèt nan literati ayisyèn san patipri?». [Are there real literary
criticism in Haitian literature without favoritism?].
Chávez en camisa roja, Préval en camisa azúl. [Chávez an chemiz rouj, Préval an chemiz ble].
Diplomas and the Haitian Diplomés' Mission. [Diplòm ak misyon Ayisyen k diplome yo].
D.P.M. – Kanntè: Yon pon ant fiksyon ak reyalite. Haïti en Marche, Vol. XI, #1, fevriye 1997.
[D.P.M.–Kanntè (play): A bridge between fiction and reality (Book review: Kritik liv). Play : Zèv
teyatral. Book review : Kritik liv].
Drenay sèvo: efè li nan soudevlopman Ayiti. [Brain drain and its impact on Haiti’s
underdevelopment].
Èske se kreyòl la k ap maltrete fanm ayisyèn oubyen kèk Ayisyen k ap maltrete yo? Kreyòl
Connection, 1998. [Is it Creole that is mistreating some Haitian women or some Haitian men who are
mistreating them?... (“Sociolinguistics”)].
Estrateji pou solisyone kèk pwoblèm o pwofi devlopman Ayiti. [Strategies to solve some
problems in the advantage of Haiti’s development].
Fanm dyanm nan literati kreyòl. Komè, #12. [Tough women in Haitian literature].
Fè rechèch : pwoblèm ak solisyon pou elèv ayisyen Ayiti e Ozetazini. [Doing research:
problem and solution for Haitian students, both in Haiti and in the United States].
Fot kilès si van okipasyon an vante fò Ayiti jodiya?. [Whose fault if the occupation wind blows
hard on Haiti today?]
Working harder to bridge the generation gap. Boston Haitian Reporter, March 2006.
8
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
How much will Haiti benefit from a coalition of presidential candidates the eve of its
presidential elections? Boston Haitian Reporter, Winter 2005. [Kisa Ayiti ka benefisye de kowalisyon
kandida alaprezidans yo lavèy eleksyon prezidansyèl?].
Kèk Kandida prensipal nan eleksyon prezidansyèl Ayiti a. [Some key candidates in the
presidential elections in Haiti. 2006].
Kèk refleksyon sou Ayiti apre 12 janvye 2010. [Some Reflections for a New Haiti after January 12,
2010].
Ki lang k ap gen batay la Ayiti: kreyòl, fransè ou anglè?. [Which language will win the battle in
Haiti: Creole, French or English?]
Ki wòl kreyolis yo ak 'près ekri a' nan zafè 'grafi kreyòl la'?. [What's the role of the 'written
press' in the Creole orthography issue?]
Kilè yon refòm tout bon vre nan pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti?. [When will there be a real school reform
in Haiti?].
Kisa pati politik Ayiti yo kontribye nan devlopman l?. [So many political parties, so little
progress. Boston Haitian Reporter, Vol.7 issue 5 (May 2008)].
Ki tip lame Ayiti bezwen?. [What type of army does Haiti need?]
Kle ki nesesè pou ouvè pòt sekrè devlopman Ayiti. [The key needed to open Haiti's secret door
of development].
Kolòk Entènasyonal Pou Politik Lengwistik an Ayiti. [International Colloquium for linguistic
policies in Haiti].
Konbit piblikasyon elektwonik pou ede nan difizyon lang kreyòl la Ayiti. [Collective electronic
publications to help in the diffusion of the Creole language in Haiti].
Koupdimonn 1998: yon rèv enkwayab pou Lafrans. [The 1998 World Cup: an incredible dream
for France].
9
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Lekòl an Ayiti, yon pwoblèm totalkapital. (Ref. in Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti, 1994. [School
in Haiti, a big problem].
Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen. Soup To Nuts Publishers. Cambridge, MA. 1994. 218 p.
[Section on essays: “A brief history of Haiti: “Yon koudèy sou istwa d Ayiti” par E. W. Védrine;
“Bataille de Vertière's speech: Diskou 'Bataille de Vertière” by E. W. Védrine].
Mon pays: Haïti. Odette R. Fombrun. [Creole translation: «Peyi m Ayiti» by E. W. Védrine].
Teaching materials for Haitian Bilingual. [A textbook for students, teachers of Social Studies
(with essays in English, fairy tales in French and Creole, articles, poems and proverbs (in French,
Creole and English. -- Materyèl Edikatif Pou Bileng Ayisyen is my 9 th book published. As I mentioned
before in Ti istwa kreyòl: Short stories in Haitian Creole, I am never satisfied with my literary works
related to Haiti. As Haitian writer, I always have a thirst to produce more for the generation of 2000.
-- This book is a document related to my experience as Haitian teacher in the Haitian Bilingual
Program. As Tony Jean-Jacques mentions, “No school will succeed without the help of teaching
materials in the native language”. It was a privilege for me to publish some books in the
construction of this work. -- This book is not a complete document on Teaching Materials For
Haitian Bilingual Programs. It might be the first interpretation some readers are going to do when
first looking at the title. Don't think that it has everything in it for Haitian Bilingual either. It's more
a look and some samples on how Haitian teachers can compile some materials for their class to
develop their own curriculum. It depends on what the teacher is teaching also. -- I also believe that
reading is very important to opening a student's mind and to developing critical thinking. My hope
that this sample of work can serve as a guide for all teachers who teach in Haitian Bilingual
Programs].
Mennen koulèv la lekòl se youn, fè l chita se de. [It’s one to bring the snake to school and the
other to make it sitting down].
“Mother Nature has risen up against us”. [English translation by E. W. Védrine. Original French
text: “Un certain mardi de janvier”, by Nicolas André. English text published in Boston Haitian
Reporter, January 23, 2010].
Piblikasyon elektwonik ak enpòtans li nan difizyon lang kreyòl la. [Electronic publications and
its importance in the diffusion of the Creole language].
Politik ak reyalite Ayiti: Kilè jou va jou?. [Politics and Haiti’s reality: When will it be dawn?].
Pou yon katdidantite nasyonal e pèmanan Ayiti. [For a national and permanent identity card in
Haiti].
10
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Pou yon lòt nivo konvèsasyon nan avantay Ayiti. [For another level of conversation in the
advantage of Haiti].
Pwodiksyon kreyòl ekri e sipò konkrè l, grafi a. [Production of written Creole and its concrete
support, the orthography].
Refleksyon Sou Jounen Kreyòl 2000. [Reflection on the Creole Day 2000].
Rekonstriksyon Ayiti: yon defi ak yon konbit manch long. [Reconstructing Haiti: a challenge
and a great collective work].
Revolisyon Ayiti: benefis pou kilès?. [Revolution in Haiti: benefit for whom?]
REKA: yon fowòm kreyòl an revi. [R.E.K.A: a Haitian forum in review (www.Kreyol.org)].
Selebrasyon Mwa Kreyòl: Mwa Jean-Jacques Dessalines. [Creole Month Celebration: Jean-
Jacques Dessalines’ Month].
Sipòte ‘Libreri Mapou’ se epapiye kilti ayisyèn nan Ozetazini. [Supporting ‘Libreri Mapou’ is
spreading out the Haitian Culture in the United States].
Varyasyon dyalektal nan lang kreyòl la Ayiti ak reyalite dèyè l. [‘Dialectal variation’ in the
Creole language in Haiti and the reality behind it].
Vid ki merite konble nan lang kreyòl la (In An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole). [Gaps that
need to be closed in the Creole language].
Viv oubyen aba lame: pawòl tafya kèk ayisyen [What to do with the Haitian army?. Boston Haitian
Reporter, Nov. 2006].
What’s really needed to be done to reforest Haiti?. [Kisa k dwe fèt reyèlman pou rebwaze Ayiti?]
Who is leading Haiti: the Haitian people or leaders?. [Kilès k ap dirije Ayiti: pèp ayisyen oubyen
lidè?]
Writing Project to help with the development of Lazil (l’Asile), Haiti. [Pwojè Ekri pou ede
avèk devlopman Lazil (l’Asile), Ayiti].
Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti. Soup to Nuts Publishers. Cambridge, MA. 1994. 117 p. 2nd
ed., 2007 (pdf). MANISKRI ELEKWONIK (www.potomitan.info/vedrine/koudey.pdf), 221 p. “A
11
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
look at the problem of schools in Haiti”. – [Essays on the problems of schools in Haiti and
interviews with some Haitian educators from the diaspora. A textbook for educators, students (high
school and college level) and researchers. –– ABSTRACT: As a schoolboy going to school in Haiti
in the late 60s, I can still remember these old years and what I have observed. Becoming a teacher in
the United States in the late 80s, I took more time reflecting on the problem of schools and
education in my homeland. As writer and researcher, I feel an obligation not only to write about
Haiti, but also to produce some writings that are consciousness-raising, critical and creative writings
that would expose Haiti’s problems. So far, I am delighted to have put some time aside to work on
this research that deals with some of the problems of education in Haiti.
I also elaborate on the language issue in the Haitian schools. In our discussion on the use of Creole
in the classroom, we know today it’s a reality that Creole is the dominant language at the oral level,
but it has not been yet the dominant one at the written level. That is, there is a need for a real
language policy, one that would go along with a progressive politics of education that many have
been dreaming of. As conscious teachers and writers, we believe that there suppose to have
development of teaching materials in the native language that would cover all subjects and at all
levels. Translation of books must be done, particularly books that students need or those they are
using as texts. This can allow students to read and carry out research when they can find books
available in French and Creole in schools and in both public and private libraries.
When looking at the problem facing Haiti in all domains, it is impossible for all Haitians to sit down
and wait for the government to do everything from “A” to “Z” for the country to move forward.
Yes, we can say that the government’s participation is crucial and it must be omnipresent in all
decisions that are to be taken for the country’s welfare. But also at the same time, everyone (without
distinction) must change their attitude and their way of thinking. We can repeat a very important
phrase uttered by president John F. Kennedy, Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do
for your country. It’s a phrase that has a huge importance today, where many people everywhere in the
world (particularly those who are living in Diaspora, far away from their country) are looking
somehow for a way to help their home country the way they can. So, we think that it is very
important for Haitians in this sense on the problem of schools in Haiti, to say: ask not what schools
in Haiti can do for you, but what you can do for schools in Haiti.
This research, as noticed, is divided into 13 chapters (including an appendix). Certainly, it is the first
extensive research on the subject available online in Creole (Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti. I’ve
decided to make the Creole version available to the public so that everyone can have access to it
where they can feel free to use it in seminars or workshops to help teachers in Haiti. For those
(Haitians) who can read (French or Creole), they can make an effort to read it and think about it also
so that everyone may become conscious of this serious situation in Haiti, and what everyone can do
to help the country, some schools, some literacy programs, support group of people who are trying
to do some work somehow to help Haiti (not only in the area of education, but also in other
domains). People who have access to the great tool called the “internet” who can write will think of
making some documents available online free of charge also to help schools in Haiti or to bring,
somehow, a contribution in this area.
With the problem of “documentation” that Haiti has been facing since a very long time, we are
certain that there have been some talks, papers presented on the theme (not too long ago), and that
they did not appear in the bibliography of this research. But unfortunately, there are not “Haitian
12
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
research centers” that are well-equipped where one would find certain information on Haiti in some
reviews or periodicals that would be published regularly (though there aren’t many), and then people
would find them easily to carry out research on some specific subject. Furthermore, most Haitians
who are doing research don’t use the internet properly to publish their research or a summary of
them so that people would have access to them or, somehow, appear in a website.
In terms of statistics on a number of important data concerning “the problem of schools in Haiti”,
for anyone who is doing research, they will see that most of these data would be dated since over
twenty years ago. So, it’s not a big deal repeating some of these old information (here) that would
touch on recent reality of the problem, but it is important to mention it. As readers, please don’t
hesitate to send your comments or criticism to the author or the publisher or publish them
somehow. Finally, despite of all criticism that can be done on ‘the problem of schools in Haiti’, there
are small efforts that can be done by simple citizens of good heart, but if the Haitian government
(who has the mighty power), does not intervene to make some key decisions by playing their part,
we will put many question marks on when real changes will start taking place for sure at the national
level so that all the country’s children would benefit from a real free education (until reaching a
certain level) the way it has being stipulated in the constitution.
EXCERPT: FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR –– “The work that I have done in
A look at the problem of schools in Haiti was partly motivated by my work as a teacher in the Haitian
Bilingual Program in Boston. However, my work is very much directed at the challenges of
education in Haiti. It is a habit of mine to return to Haiti (in my discussions) in order to analyze
some of the problems within the school system there. As you know, there are so many problems
within Haitian schools and my return helps me to really understand or show the readers, students,
and teachers the problem and its source so that they can be able to analyze and propose solutions.
I discuss the language issue in order to bring enlightenment on both French and Creole. We know
that in Haiti during the 30-year dictatorship, educators there never really talked about the serious
problems Haitian education had been confronting. In fact, one of the confusions that have been
propagated is the exaggerated concern between French and Creole in order to avoid showing that
it’s politics that cause the major problems and not whether the school is committed to French or
Creole. As a language teacher and someone who has studied Linguistics, I contend that the problem
of language is important, but secondary to the reality of politics. It is politics that can create the
conditions for educational quality and opportunity in Haiti and not what language one speaks.
Language is just a medium; any language can be used in education. So, the real problem is not really
one between French and Creole, the way many educators in Haiti used to show it in order to avoid
touching on the political reality or divorced themselves from it, and how it really defines the
contours of our educational expectations.
I take my position on that and at the same time as researcher and writer who cares deeply about the
“Haitian Reality”, I feel that I have a responsibility to do a job that would advance the Creole
language as the main language medium in the educational system in Haiti. Further, I try to advance it
in the Haitian Diaspora in all bilingual programs. I do believe in what I am doing and I stand firmly
on it. On the issue of language again, we must not forget the attitudes that we are sometimes dealing
with when some Haitian teachers put forth negative attitudes against Creole. That‘s another problem
we can analyze and why some teachers insist upon using only French as the language for Haitian
students. So, they don’t see the use of Creole as a medium to help Haitian children in their transition
13
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
in the bilingual program. Bilingualism is under scrutiny in the Diaspora while Creole is the Haitian
educational structure is under scrutiny as the official language there. Negative attitudes in both the
Diaspora and Haiti about the Creole language must be changed. Language then is the crucial link
waiting in the wings to come forth and do its job in Haiti once Haitian politics restructure an
educational system for sustained excellence. Creole is the native language and it must be respected
and officially used. I stand by that. Also, I think that the Diaspora can play an important role in
helping to accomplish that goal because, for instance, in Boston, though there is resistance by some
Haitian educators, the fact remains that Creole is used in the Boston Schools System as the official
language of Haitian students who are in bilingual programs.” (Ref. in A healing paradigm for a new
Haiti). ]
E. LE PHARE: We have talked about you as a novelist, but we can't go talking only about novels
because that's not only what you write. Let's touch on another important interest: you work with
schools both here in Boston and in Haiti. If we look at the problems of schools in Haiti, the first
thing I noticed while reading this book, is how clearly you bring forth the important issues of
education: the issue of writing and speaking Kreyol, the issue of bilingual curriculum, the tensions
between French and Kreyol in educational settings here; all of this leads me to the question of
development and progress.
Is your project based on two strategies: to make people conscious of the reality of bilingualism in
our community and to impress upon educational teachers the need to study and apply more
seriously the work of bilingualism in both Boston and Haiti?
E. W. VEDRINE: The work that I have done in Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti was partly
motivated by my work as a teacher in the Haitian Bilingual Program in Boston. However, my work
is very much directed at the challenges of education in Haiti. It is a habit of mine to return to Haiti
in order to analyze some of the problems within the school system there. As you know, there are so
many problems within Haitian schools and my return to Haiti helps me to really understand or show
the readers, students, and teachers the problem and its source so they can be able to analyze and
propose solutions.
I discuss the language issue in order to bring enlightenment on both French and Kreyol. We know
that in Haiti during the 30-year dictatorship, the educators in Haitian never really talked about the
serious problems of Haitian education. In fact, one of the confusions that have been propagated is
the exaggerated concern between French and Kreyol in order to avoid showing that it's politics that
causes the major problems and not whether the school is committed to French or Kreyol. As a
linguist, I contend that the problem of language is important, but secondary to the reality of politics.
It is politics that can create the conditions for educational quality and opportunity in Haiti and not
what language one speaks. Language is just a medium; you can use any language in education. So, the
real problem is not really one between French and Creole, the way many educators in Haiti used to
show it in order to avoid touching on the political reality and how it really defines the contours of
our educational expectations.
I take my position on that and at the same time as linguist and Haitian writer who cares deeply about
14
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Haitian reality, I feel that I have a responsibility to do a job that would advance Kreyol language as
the main language medium in the educational system in Haiti. Further, I try to advance Kreyol in the
Haitian Diaspora in all bilingual programs. I do believe in what I am doing and I strand firmly on it.
On the issue of language again, we must not forget the attitudes that we are sometimes dealing with
when some Haitian teachers put forth negative attitudes against Kreyol language. That is another
problem we can analyze and why some teachers insist upon using only French as the language for
Haitian students. So, they don't see the use of Kreyol language as a medium to help Haitian children
in their transition in bilingal program. Bilingualism is under scrutiny in the Diaspora while Kreyol is
the Haitian educational structure is under scrutiny as the official language there. Negative attitudes in
both the Disapora and Haiti about Kreyol language must be changed. Language then is the crucial
link waiting in the wings to come forth and do its job in Haiti once Haitian politics restructure an
educational system for sustained excellence. Kreyol is the native language and it must be respected
and officially used. I stand by that. Also, I think that the Diapora can play an important role in
helping to accomplish that goal because, for instance, in Boston, though there is resistance by some
Haitian educators, the fact remains that Kreyol language is used in the Boston School System as the
official language of Haitian students who are in bilingual programs. (Excerpt of an interview with k
Eddy Le Phare. “Radyo Liberasyon”, Boston. Feb. 5, 1996)].
BIBLIOGRAPHIES : BIBLIYOGRAFI
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography on Haitian Creole, 12 entries)
A Bibliography of Theses & Dissertations related to Haiti (20th Century), including Theses &
Dissertations Related to Haitian Creole. [Bibliyografi tèz ki an rapò ak Ayiti (20èm syèk), enkli tèz ki
an rapò ak kreyòl].
A Bibliography of Theses and Dissertations related to Cape Verde. [Yon Bibliyografi Tèz ki an
rapò ak achipèl Cape Verde].
A Short Bibliography on the Literary Works of Felix Morisseau-Leroy. [Yon ti bibliyografi sou
zèv Felix Morisseau-Leroy].
15
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
2000 … Acknowledgements & General Introduction (In English, Creole, French, pp 5; In praise of
the author, pp 17; Abbreviations & Symbols used in this book, pp.20; Chapter I : A bibliography of
periodicals with publications on Kreyol (268 entries), pp. 26; Chapter II : Agriculture, Flora & Fauna
(61 entries, pp 36); Chapter III : Bibliographies (12 entries, pp 44); Chapter IV : Classification by
Authors, pp 48; Chapter V : Dictionaries, Glossaries & Related sources (130 entries, pp 72); Chapter
VI :Education, Literacy & Teaching materials (334 entries), pp 120; Chapter VII : Folklores, Folk
tales & Stories (230 entries), pp 166; Chapter VII (Folklores, Folk tales & Stories (230 entries), pp
166; Chapter VIII : General Subjects (445 entries), pp 189; Chapter IX : Geography & History (63
entries), pp 255 ; Chapter X : Grammar (72 entries), pp 266; Chapter XI : Health & Hygiene (52
entries), pp 280; Chapter XII : Historical Linguistics (88 entries), pp 284; Chapter XIII : Novels &
Short stories (108 entries), pp 301; Chapter XIV : Orthography (112 entries), pp 320; Chapter XV :
Plays (including related works, 87 entries), pp 344; Chapter XVI: Poetry (204 entries), pp 358;
Chapter XVII : Proverbs (54 entries), pp 381; Chapter XVIII: Religious writings (116 entries), pp
393; Chapter XIX: Sociolinguistics (116 entries), pp 393; Chapter XX: Teaching materials for
learners of Kreyol (41 entries), pp 432; Chapter XXI: Theoretical linguistics (325 entries), pp 436;
Chapter XXII: Theses & Dissertation Related to Kreyol (75 entries), pp 472; Chapter XXIII:
Interviews with some Haitian creolists, journalists and authors), pp 486; Chapter XXIV: General
Authors’ Biographies), pp 537; Appendix (Part I, I & III, Theses & Dissertations related to Haiti
(308 entries), pp 572, 594, 600; Index of Titles (pp 630); General Authors’ Index (pp 680); About
the author, pp 625].
Diana Guillemin and the Mauritian Creole language. [Diana Guillemin ak lang kreyòl morisyen
a].
Recommendations of the 1999 Creole Symposium. [Rekòmandasyon senpozyòm kreyòl 1999 la].
Path to the most ever published bibliography research on Haitian Creole. [Etap pou rive a pi
gwo Rechèch Bibliyografik sou Kreyòl Ayisyen].
2014. Sezon sechrès Ayiti (novel in Haitian Creole, 2nd ed., 10 chapters). JEBCA eds. 223 p.
www.potomitan.info/vedrine/sezon_secheres.php [This textbook is prepared for high school level,
for native speakers who want to master writing in standard Creole, and for learners of the language
(intermediate and advance level) with questions on each chapter, and a Creole – English glossary…
First edition published in 1994, Soup To Nuts Publishers: Cambridge, MA.]. Spanish version (to be
published): Temporada de sequía en Haití (novela).
16
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
2010. “12 Janvye 2010, yon pèt kapital pou milye entelektyèl ayisyen”. Haïti en Marche, Vol. XXIV,
#12. 14 – au 20 vril. [January 12, 2010: a great lost for the Haitian intellectual milieu].
2010. “Rekonstriksyon Ayiti: yon defi ak yon konbit manch long”. Haïti en Marche, Vol. XXIV #5,
fev. au 2 mars. [Reconstruction of Haiti: a challenge and a great collective work].
2010. “Some Reflections for a New Haiti after January 12, 2010”. The Mass Media, Vol. XLIV #7,
Feb. 2010, pp.11, University of Massachusetts-Boston.
2010. “Mother Nature has risen up against us”. Boston Haitian Reporter, January 23. (English
translation: E. W. Védrine ... Original French text: “Un certain mardi de janvier”, by Nicolas André).
2009. “Èske Ayiti reyèlman bezwen yon akademi kreyòl?”. Haïti en Marche, Vol.XXIII #43.
November. [Does Haiti really need an academy for Haitian Creole?].
2000. “A bibliography of theses & dissertations related to Haiti (20th Century)”. VEDCREP:
Boston, MA & www.Potomitan.info [First online bibliography on the subject].
2008. “So many political parties, so little progress”. Boston Haitian Reporter, Vol.7, issue #5.
2007. Haitian Creole - English Bilingual Dictionary. Indiana University, Creole Institute. xxxiv +781 p.
[Co-edited; project directed by Albert Valdman. A segment of the research has been presented by E.
W. Védrine and Albert Valdman at the “Haitian Studies Association, 8th Annual Conference”, held
at the University of Virginia in Charlotte, Oct. 2006. See Paper presented by E. W. Védrine
(www.potomitan.info/vedrine/haitian_studies.php)
2007. Premye etap avèk yon òdinatè. Eastern Digital Resources. [Computer manual, co-edited)].
2007. “Racism lives here and in Haiti”. Boston Haitian Reporter, Vol. 6, issue #10.
2007. Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti. [Essays & Interviews on the problems of schools in Haiti; 2nd
ed. in Haitian Creole (published on-line, 221 p. www.potomitan.info/vedrine/koudey.pdf)
VEDCREP: Boston, MA. [A look at the problem of schools in Haiti. Original text in Creole first ed.
published by Soup To Nuts: Cambridge, MA. 1994. 117 p.]
2006. Di yon vèb, tire yon kont (2nd ed., From a verb to a riddle). Educa Vision. 125 p. [Riddles in
Haitian Creole: Devinèt an kreyòl].
2006. “What to do with the Haitian army?”. Boston Haitian Reporter. November.
2006. “Working harder to bridge the generation gap”. Boston Haitian Reporter. March.
2005. A bibliography of theses and dissertations related to the Dominican Republic. (editors: E. W. Védrine and
Andrés Paniagua). 276 p. [Note: Research done upon the request of his Excellency, Dr. Leonel
Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic and presented at the Dominican American
17
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
2005. Petit lexique du créole haïtien (2nd ed. published online /dictionary, historical linguistics).
VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 51 p. [First published by Orèsjozèf Publications: Randolph, MA. 1995. In
Haitian Creole - English Bilingual Dictionary (Indiana University, 2007)].
2005. “Good luck to Haiti’s next president”. Boston Haitian Reporter, Vol. 6. issue #12.
2005. “How much will Haiti benefit from a coalition of presidential candidates the eve of its
presidential elections?”. Boston Haitian Reporter. Winter.
2005. “What are the presidential candidates’ credentials in Haitian society?”. Boston Haitian Reporter.
Oct.
2004. “Agriculture the first Target for Haiti’s Development”. Boston Haitian Reporter, July.
2004.“Quelques plantes créoles et leurs noms en latin”. [In Haitian – English Dictionary. 5th. ed. Vol.
I, 2004 (University of Kansas). In Haitian Creole –English Bilingual Dictionary, 2007 (Indiana
University)].
2004. Ide pou kreye yon high school ayisyen prive nan Boston. VEDCREP : Boston, MA. [Revised ed.
published online, 109 p. First published in 1994, 102 p.[Debate : Deba].
2003. An annotated Bibliography On Haitian Creole: a review of publications from colonial times to 2003. Educa
Vision: Coconut Creek, FL. 700 p. [Most comprehensive bibliography ever published on Haitian
Creole. Research presented at the Linguistic Conference held in Cayenne, French Guyana (from 9 -
11 May 2003, organized by the “Laboratoire des Sciences Sociales IRD de Guyane”), on the
languages spoken in French Guiana. Also presented at the “17th Annual Haitian Studies
Association”, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Oct. 2005). In Haitian Creole - English Bilingual
Dictionary , Indiana University, 2007. Reprint by Educa Vision].
1998. Dictionary of Haitian Creole Bibliography (part I). VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 246 p.
2000. “A bibliography of theses and dissertations related to Cape Verde”. 34 p. VEDCREP: Boston,
MA &. www.Potomitan.info [First online bibliography on the subject].
2000. “A bibliography of theses & dissertations related to Haiti (20th Century)”. VEDCREP:
Boston, MA &. www.Potomitan.info [First online bibliography on the subject].
1998. Dictionary of Haitian Creole Bibliography (part I). VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 246 p.
1998. 100 Kesyon ak repons pou Ekzamen Sitwayènte Amerikèn. [100 Questions and answers for the U.S
Citizenship Exam]. (edited by) VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 21 p.
1997. Men l anlè a l ap vini (short story). Orèsjozèf Publications: Randolph, MA. 34 p.
18
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
1997. “Nan Amerik, nou wè…”. (Creole translation: E W. Védrine. [Original English text, “In the
Americas, we see… ” by Roberto Gibral-Tarik; an excerpt from his potery book, One in a Million, pp.
27-29). Both texts republished in An annotated Bibliography On Haitian Creole: a review of publications from
colonial times, 2003, pp. 364- 365].
1996. Dis powèm sou lanati. VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 21 p. [A collection of ten poems on “Nature”].
1996. Gramè Kreyòl Védrine (Védrine’s Grammar of Haitian Creole). VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 254 p.
[In Haitian Creole-English Bilingual, Indiana University, 2007. In Haitian-English Dictionary , University
of Kansas)].
1996. “Kreyòl lesson for beginners: an introduction to Haitian Creole”. [Manual for beginning
Haitian Creole]. VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 18 p.
1995. Koze lanmou (Vol. I). VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 45. p. [A collection of love poems in Haitian
Creole].
1995. 23 Poèmes en français et en haïtien (poetry). VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 52 p. [23 Bilingual poems in
French and Haitian Creole].
1994. Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen. Soup To Nuts: Cambridge, MA. 218 p. [Essays, short
stories, and poetry].
1994. Poetry in Haitian Creole. Soup To Nuts: Cambridge, MA. 75 p. [In Haitian-English Dictionary,
University of Kansas)].
1994. Ti istwa kreyòl: Short stories in Haitian Creole. Soup To Nuts: Cambridge, MA. 115 p. [Reprint by
Educa Vision; in Haitian Creole-English Bilingual Dictionary, Indiana University. 2007; in Haitian-English
Dictionary, University of Kansas)].
1993. Un stylo international Soup To Nuts: Cambridge, MA. 61 p. [Poetry in 7 languages, including 24
in French].
1992. Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs with phrases and idioms. Soup To Nuts: Cambridge, MA. 246 p.
[Reprint by Educa Vision. in Haitian Creole -English Bilingual Dictionary. Indiana University. 2007 and
in Haitian-English Dictionary, University of Kansas).
1992. “Lekòl an Ayiti, yon pwoblèm totalkapital”. Haïti Courrier. Vol. 1, #6. avril. [In Yon koudèy
sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti (1994)].
Some Theses and Dissertations on or related to Kreyòl, the language of Haiti. [Kèk tèz ki an
rapò ak kreyòl, lang Ayiti].
19
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
JOKES : BLAG
Au bord de l’eau. [By the water. Translation in Haitian Creole: “Bò dlo a”, E. W. Védrine].
Discours électoral d'un parti politique. [“Diskou elektoral yon pati politik”. Creole translation: E.
W. Védrine. – Joke circulated online (Blag ki sikile sou entènèt la)].
Four Parachutes. [Kat parachit. Tradiksyon kreyòl: E. W. Védrine. -- Joke circulated online (Blag
ki sikile sou entènèt la)].
Fèt Nwèl san Jezi. [Christmas without Jesus, a Christmas story. Adapted and translated to Creole
by E. W. Védrine)].
Gid pou yon bon madanm (istwa). [Guide for a good woman (story). Creole version: E. W.
Védrine].
Kilès ki ka esplike leson istwa sa a?. [Who can explain this story].
Mouri pou libere Ayiti. (Short story). [Traduction anglaise: Dying for Haiti’s liberation, par l’auteur;
Traduction française: Mourir pour libérer Haïti, Jean-S. Sahaï; Traduction italienne: Morire per
liberare Haiti, Francesca Palli; Traduction russe: Karlova Ekatarina; Traduction japonaise: Mihoko
Tsunetomi; Traduction papiamentu: Muriendo pa liberashon di Haiti, Yaniek Pinedo; Traduction
allemande: Sterben, um Haiti zu befreien, Jnes Angela Pellegrini; Traduction espagnole: Morir para
liberar Haití, Miguel Calzada].
Un super coup digne de Maître Lefort V du Cap-Haitien!. [A Meaty Case Won by Attorney
Lefort V of Cape-Haitian : Mèt Lefort V, nan Okap, fè yon kokenn kou].
20
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
CIVICS : SIVIK
Are you a proud Haitian? : [With tranaslations: (Creole) Èske w se yon ayisyen ki fyè? : (French)
Êtes-vous fièr d'être Haïtien? : (Spanish) ¿Es usted orgulloso de ser Haitiano? : (Italian, Francesca
Palli) Siete fieri di essere Haitiani?]
Bataille de Vertiè’s Speech. [Diskou Bataille de Vertière. Ref. in Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen,
pp. 20-26)].
The Haitian Multi-Service Center 19th graduation, Speech by guest speaker, E. W. Védrine.
(Boston, Massachusetts- June 9, 2007). [Diznevyèm Gradiyasyon Haitian Multi-Service Center,
Diskou envite espesyal, E. W. Védrine].
Haiti & self destruction : Ayiti & ak otodestriksyon. [Haïti & l’auto destruction].
100 Kesyon ak repons pou Ekzamen Sitwayènte Amerikèn (pdf, 55 KB. [100 Questions and
answers for the U.S Citizenship' Exam].
Kilès ki ta responsab pwoblèm Ayiti yo?. 18 mai 2010. [Who would be responsible for Haiti’s
problems?].
Manje kreyòl: resèt pou kèk pla ayisyen. [Creole food: recipe for some Haitian dishes].
Pasaj Yves Estenvil Boston nan kad yon misyon edikatif e kiltirèl. [Yves Estenvil’s visit in
Boston : an educative and cultural mission].
Racism lives here and in Haiti. Boston Haitian Reporter, Vol. 6, Issue #10. Oct. 2007.
Rat konnen, chat konnen, barik mantèg la sou siveyans. [“Rat knows, Cat knows, the barrel of
lard is being watched”. For ‘rethoric’ analysis in Haitian Creole : Pou Analiz «retorik» an kreyòl
ayisyen].
21
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Richès kiltirèl Ayiti: yon min ki poko esplwate. [The cultural richness of Haiti: an unploited
mine]. fev. 2015.
Sa nou ka fè pou Ayiti jodi, pa ranvwaye l pou demen. [What you can do for Haiti today, don’t
put off for tomorrow].
(S)eleksyon 2010 Ayiti : dezyèm tou, yon pyèj ki tann. [Haiti’s 2010 (s)elections run-off : a trap].
Senkant pousan, plis yon vwa depi premye tou. [Fifty percent, plus one vote in the first round].
Swaf pou yon sosyete ayisyèn k ap fòme sitwayen l. [Thirst for a Haitian society that is forming
its citizen].
Ti Malis ak Bouki apre 12 janvye. [Pati II: Dyesibon kontinye ap pale sou tranbladtè a]. [Sketch :
Pyesèt].
Wyclef Jean ap chèche yon solisyon lapè pou Ayiti atravè dialòg. [Wyclef Jean in search of a
peaceful solution for Haiti through dialogue].
COMMENTS : KÒMANTÈ
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography on Haitian Creole)
Aktivite ‘Massachusetts Haitian Artists Assembly’ nan Boston. [Massachusetts Haitian Artists
Assembly's activities in Boston].
Baay Florida sa a genlè se yon waytouke k ap fè politisyen chimè. [This Floridian stuff seems
to be a ‘W2K Bug’ making politicians chimeric].
Basic readings for Haiti's development and for leaders with no leadership. [Lekti de baz pou
devlopman Ayiti e pou lidè ki pa gen lidèchip].
Chak grenn ayisyen enpòtan pou devlopman Ayiti. [ Every single Haitian is important in Haiti’s
development].
Commentaires en ligne sur les langues en Haïti. [Online comments on languages in Haiti].
Compilation of Haitian Creole articles appeared in Le Petit Samedi Soir . [Konpilasyon atik ki
parèt nan Le Petit Samedi Soir …. “With the problem of ‘documentation’ in Haiti, it has become more
22
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
difficult for researchers in all areas to do research. Though many fine articles have been published in
Haitian newspapers, it is not easy task to find their sources when one is researching. --- For many
years, newspapers have been appearing throughout Haiti, but today it is difficult to locate them and
the important articles they can contain that deal with a subject we are researching on. ---
Newspapers are considered an important source of research. Some of them are published daily,
weekly or monthly. They are published faster than books but, unfortunately there are not many
people who are aware of the importance of periodicals (especially in Haiti). Many people do not
even think of cutting out important articles in order to save them.--- Through my own research, I
have faced the problem of 'documentation' when researching on Haiti. One of the sources of my
linguistic research is based on articles published in Haitian newspapers which I have kept... These
articles appeared in LPSS (1975). Though it is not a complete work, I hope this compilation will
inspire many people who are interested in collaborating in this type of project.” (E. W. Védrine)].
Dis ti konsèy pou fè lekti avèk pitit ou. [Ten tips on reading with your child].
Duvalier, Aristide même combat. [Traduction créole: E. W. Védrine). | Divalye, Aristid: menm
kout baton an : Duvalier, Aristide: the same fight].
Èske n dwe kreyolize non moun lè n ap ekri an kreyòl?. [Should we creolize people’s names
when writing in Creole?]
Èske Ayiti reyèlman bezwen yon akademi kreyòl?. [Does Haiti really need an academy for the
Creole language?].
20 Fraz kreyòl potomitan, tradui an plizyè lang). [20 Key Creole phrases, translated to different
languages)].
Gen espwa toujou: Lavalas 3, Konvèjans 0. [There’s still hope: Lavalas 3, Konvèjans 0].
23
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Good luck to Haiti’s next president! Boston Haitian Reporter, Vol. 6. issue 12. [Bòn chans a
pwochen prezidan Ayiti a!].
Kèk kòmantè enpòtan sou itilizasyon kreyòl an Ayiti, estrè nan yon chita pale ak André
Vilaire Chéry. [Some important comments on the use of Haitian Creole in Haiti, an excerpt from
an interview with André Vilaire Chéry].
Kèk pwen pou moun k ap ekri. [Some points for people who are writings].
Kisa n ka fè pou ede Ministè Edikasyon Nasyonal Ayiti?. [What can we do to help the Minister
of education in Haiti?].
Kolòk Entènasyonal Pou Politik Lengwistik An Ayiti. [International Colloquium for linguistic
policies in Haiti].
Konbit kreyòl pou sekle jaden rechèch (pawoli). [Creole collective work to weed creole gardens].
On the native language of Haiti and Francophonie. [Sou lang matènèl Ayiti ak Frankofòni].
Nòt pou ‘distribitè’ ak ‘mezondedisyon liv kreyòl’. [Note for distributors and publishers of
Creole books].
Patisipasyon nan fowòm REKA lò sa bon, lò sa pa bon. [Participation in the REKA forum
when things work well and vice versa. (www.Kreyol.org)].
Prigad ak dokiman sou entènèt la. [Be careful with on-line publications].
16 Pwen pou ede Ayiti bouje. [16 Points to help Haiti moving forward].
24
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Refleksyon Sou Jounen Kreyòl 2000. [Reflection on the Creole Day of 2000].
Review of Senou's article, ‘A Call for a Coalition and a Unity gove’. [Kritik].
REKA: yon fowòm kreyòl an revi. [REKA: a Creole forum under review. (www.Kreyol.org)].
Rezime rankont ekriven ayisyen nan Boston. [Summary of a Haitian writers’ meeting in Boston].
Sipòte ‘Libreri Mapou’ se epapiye kilti ayisyèn nan Ozetazini. [Supporting Mapou’s Library is
spreading the Haitian culture throughout the United States].
Swè m pou eleksyon novanm 2000 yo Ayiti. [My wish for the presidential elections of 2000 in
Haiti].
Tout moun ki kont pwogrè rechèch kont pwogrè lasyans tou (pdf, 40 kb). [Anyone who is
against progress in research is also against the advancement of science].
Védrine's last comments on language issue in Haiti for 1998. [Dènye kòmantè Védrine sou
koze lang an Ayiti pou ane 1998].
Yon jounen entènasyonal Kreyòl nan Boston. [An International Creole Day in Boston].
What are the presidential candidates’ credentials in Haitian society? Boston Haitian Reporter.
Oct. 2005. [Kisa kandida alaprezidans yo fè de pozitif nan sosyete ayisyèn lan?].
Will a multilingual programs solve Haiti's schools real problem?. [Èske yon pwogram miltileng
pral solisyone vrè pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti?]
Wyclef's letter to “Concerned Haitian Diaspora”. [Lèt Wyclef voye bay «Ayisyen Dyaspora ki
konsène».
Yon moun ki rejte kilti l. [A person who rejects his /her culture].
25
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
CORRESPONDENCES : KORESPONDANS
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole)
Rezime rankont ekriven ayisyen nan Boston. [Summary of a Haitian writers’ meeting in Boston].
Lèt dekachte an repons a lèt msye Guy Antoine lan: ‘Kijan Estèl ta ka rejwenn bonè l’. [Open
letter in response to Guy Antoine’s letter, ‘How Stella could get her groove back’].
Lèt dekachte pou Msye Lunique Geffrard (editè, Haitian American News). [Open letter for
Mr. Lunique Geffrard, editor of Haitian American News].
Lèt pou gwoup REKA (Rezo Entènèt Kreyolis Ayisyen). [Letter for the REKA (On-line
Network of Haitian creolists) group].
Ti lèt ale-vini ki al jwenn kreyolis yo sou granchimen savwa a. [On-line Exchange letters
among].
Ti lèt vayevyen ki al jwenn kreyolis yo sou granchimen savwa a. [Exchange of letters among
the creolists on the internet].
DEBATE : DEBA
Ide pou kreye yon ‘high school’’ayisyen prive nan boston (pdf, 240 kb). VEDCREP. Boston,
MA. 1994.102 p. “Idea to found a Haitian Private High School in Boston”. [Ide pou kreye yon 'High
School Ayisyen' prive nan Boston is a debate between Dr. Morel Berthold, E. W. Védrine and the late
Haitian educator, Tony Jean-Jacques on the issue to found a private Haitian High School in Boston,
the problems of Haitian students in American schools, and the value of education in Haitian society
with an emphasis on bilingualism and bilingual education. All three of us have lived in the Haitian
community of Boston for a long time].
Following our observations in the community, as well as all of our experience in the American
society and schools, we see that it is important for everyone in the community to work together. To
succeed, we must be educated. And we Haitians who care about the community and the growing
generation, we see that the last chance left for us, to liberate ourselves and other Haitians, is
"education." We are often told that education is free, that everyone has a right to have an education.
Great word! We Haitians from Haiti , who have lived the reality of our country, we are used to
beautiful words, beautiful phrases, and deceptive speech in French. But what interests us the most is
26
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
action and practice. So, we don't look at theory only. Who has really received a real education: rich
or poor people? I leave the answers to the readers. When we recognize that 85% of the people
cannot read and write, we cannot say that education is free for everyone, everywhere. And this
applies especially to these innocent people who have landed here in this country, and who work very
hard, days and nights, in factories. Even if they didn't have access to education at home, at least their
children who are here, the growing generation here should receive an adequate education the same
way many other ethnic groups who live in this country do.
We can observe the problems of young Haitians in school here: many are like wild goats in a prairie,
without owners, without guides. We see that it's time to think about them, to think of creating
something for them, to think of their future so that they can avoid spending the rest of their lives in
Jail. As we consider their performance in school and their isolation as an ethnic group, we believe
that it's important for the whole community to work together to think of their future, because
tomorrow, they are the ones who will replace us, they are the ones who will represent the
community. It is with this purpose that the three of us gathered on April 17, 1994 , at Harvard
University , for a first debate on the education of young Haitians in the community. The proverb
says: Nou pa gen lajan, men nou gen jan (We don't have money, but we have good humor). It's true
that we don't have money to try to do all that is possible in the community, but we think that it is
important to write these ideas down on paper, as a way to facilitate communication with the
community and to see how these ideas might become a reality. Men anpil, chay pa lou (Many hands
make the burden light). E. W. Védrine.
–– ABSTRACT: This is a debate between Morel Berthold, Emmanuel W. Védrine and Tony Jean-
Jacques (1960-2001) on the issue to found a private Haitian High School in Boston, the problems of Haitian
students in American schools, and the value of education in Haitian society with an emphasis on bilingualism and
bilingual education.
All three of us have lived in the Haitian community of Boston. Following our observations in the
community, as well as all of our experience in the American society and schools, we see that it is
important for everyone in the community to work together. To succeed, we must be educated. And
we, Haitians, who care about the community and the growing generation, we know that education is
the last chance left for us, to liberate ourselves and other Haitians, is “education.” We are often told
that education is free, that everyone has a right to have an education. Great word!
We Haitians from Haiti, who have lived the reality of our country, we are used to beautiful words,
beautiful phrases, and deceptive speech in French. But what interests us the most is “action” and
“practice”. So, we don’t look at theory only. Who has really received a real education: rich or poor
people? I leave the answer to the readers. When we recognize that 85% of our people cannot read
and write, we cannot say that education is free for everyone, everywhere. And this applies especially
to these innocent people who have landed here in this country, and who work very hard, days and
nights in factories and in other low-paying jobs. Even if they didn’t have access to education at
home, at least their children who are here, the growing generation here should receive an adequate
education the same way many other ethnic groups who live in this country do. We can observe the
problems of young Haitians in school here: many are like wild goats in a prairie, without owners,
without guides.
27
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
We see that it’s time to think about them, to think of creating something for them, to think of their
future so that they can avoid spending the rest of their lives in jail. As we consider their performance
in school and their isolation as an ethnic group, we believe that it’s important for the whole
community to work together to think of their future, because tomorrow, they are the ones who will
replace us, they are the ones who will represent the community. It is with this purpose that the three
of us gathered at my dorm at Harvard University (on April 17, 1994) for a first debate on the
education of young Haitians in the community. As the Haitian saying goes, Nou pa gen lajan, men nou
gen jan (We don’t have money, but we have good humor). It’s true that we don’t have money to try
to do all that is possible in the community, but we think that it is important to write these ideas
down, as a way to facilitate communication with the community and to see how they might become
a reality. Men anpil, chay pa lou (Many hands make the burden light)…]
Kesyonnen kilti ayisyen pou aprann plis de li. [Questionning Haitian Culture to learn more
about it].
RIDDLES : DEVINÈT
Di yon vèb tire yon kont. (Say a verb, I will tell you a riddle) in Haitian Creole). Educa Vision.
Coconut Creek, FL. (2nd.ed). 2006. 125 p. [As the title indicates: Di yon vèb, tire kont, is the easiest
way to use the book in order to master these riddles at the same time. The verbs are classified in
alphabetical order, from A to Z, a way to make it easier to use them. Every riddle has a number in
parentheses in the answers’ index. -- Every elder who dies in Haiti is a library that is lost. This
statement is quite important when talking about Haitian culture and literature. Up to now, the
Haitian literature (most of it) remains an oral one. Though the Kreyol language is written down
today and is one of Haiti’s two official languages but if we want to get into deep analysis, we will see
that more than 95% of ingredients composing the Haitian literature is not written down. There were
debates (in the past) dealing the existence vs., the inexistence of a Haitian literature. Language plays
a key role here. Some people would support the inexistence of a Haitian literature, basing their
argument on language (in what language is the country’s literature is written?).
If we get into deep analysis, we will see that the French language (spoken by less than 20% of the
Haitian population, one that is not Haitians’ native language in which most of the country’s literature
is being written) is the dominant one across the board (when it comes to in written documents).
28
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
-- At the same time, if we go to the roots of any culture, we will find that everything was at the oral
level first before they were written down. The writing system is just an invention that occurred later.
Are we going to deny what our parents tell us, things that they lived – for the fact that they were not
written down in a particular language? If we don’t believe them, our children won’t believe us either
(re: things that we experience ourselves). This would be one to back up the argument supporting the
existence of an oral literature which is one of the source of a written literature. -- Furthermore,
everywhere in the world, people speak their native language before learning how to write it. Nobody
was born with a pen in their hand (knowing how to write). We can’t deny either “writing” because it
is one of the tools to document what occurred in the past. T. -- If we don’t write what we are being
told, other future generations will not have access to all the cultural richness of the country; they will
lose them. It is a good idea to document them by writing them in the language that they are being
told which is the Kreyol language. I believe it makes sense also to write them in the native language,
not only it is our native language but also we find such a particular sensation when hearing them in
that language. -- The work that Haitians authors have to do is a lot and they must be conscious of
the Haitian Reality in order to bring changes with their pen. (E. W. Védrine)].
Dictionary of Haitian Creole verbs with phrases and idioms. Soup to Nuts. Cambridge, MA.
1992. 246 p. [Reprint: Educa Vision]. (Cited in Haitian – English Dictionary, 5th. ed. Vol.1. 2004.
Kansas University; cited in Haitian Creole-English Bilingual Dictionary. The Indiana University, Creole
Institute). [“Dictionary Of Haitian Creole Verbs With Phrases And Idioms by Emmanuel W. Védrine,
1992. Journal of Pidgins and Creole Languages, 11:2, 1996. The book under review is, therefore, a
welcome respite, for it respects the standard orthography and is quite systematic throughout… The
Dictionary is a guide for learners of both languages, for people who want to be bilingual and for
those who are interested in linguistic research. The excellent balance of Kreyòl and English
explanations should accomplish those ends. The presentation is impressive for a book published
independently by its author… The Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs offers strong evidence that
writing Kreyòl is still perceived as a wide-open discursive field…” –– Karen Richman and William
L. Balan-Gaubert (Reviewed by), University of Chicago.
“Another achievement toward the emancipation of Haitian Creole language. “This pioneering
Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs With Phrases And Idioms by Emmanuel W. Védrine (1992) is the result
of many years of linguistic research and methodological design undertaken by Emmanuel Védrine, a
graduate researcher at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Specially, his book represents a
new orientation in contemporary Creole lexicography. His dictionary attempts to bridge the gap
between theory and practice, as a tool for improving Creole teaching and improving research in
contemporary Creole Studies… Védrine gives a hint of his lexical enthusiasm on the title of the
book itself. His Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs lives up to its name. In a concise preface, Védrine
reviews recent developments in Haitian Creole grammar. Védrine succinctly discussed other
characteristics of the Haitian verb system from such familiar phenomena as the short forms of: ale
(al), vini (vin), rete (ret) to name a few. He also identifies many Haitian Creole verbs that can be used
29
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
as ‘attributives’ in some cases. He cautions the reader to use his dictionary with circumspection, not
as a manual of conversation but understand the quasi-to understand the quasi-totality of Haitian
verbs used in any aspect of life. Using or reading Védrine’s dictionary will be a very pleasurable
distraction indeed and the reader / user will go away knowing what ‘deplancheye’, ‘jebede’,
‘tyakannen’, ‘wouspete’ is. He also refers to the so-called ‘vèb marasa’ (twin verbs) such as ‘pote-
kole’, ‘sote-ponpe’, ‘leve-kanpe’ - For any creolophone who needs a quick and complete reference in
Creole and English will find Védrine’s dictionary immediately useful, culturally rich, humorous and a
constant delight…” –– SEDRA, 1993.
“...Given the limited resources at his disposal, the linguistic tools Védrine has produced are
noteworthy, in particular, his Dictionary Of Haitian Creole Verbs With Phrases And Idioms. It is a very
useful resource for linguists, translators, and learners of the language. With regard to its originality
and overall quality, I would rank it as the best work on the vocabulary of the language and right next
to Freeman and Laguerre's Haitian-English Dictionary and our own somewhat dated Haitian Creole -
English - French Dictionary. The high quality of the work is reflected by its having been deemed worthy
of review in the prestigious Journal of Pidgin and Creole Languages ...” –– Albert Valdman, Rudy
Professor of French, Italian and Linguistics Indiana University-Bloomington].
Haitian Creole D-base: Haiti Progrès. (pdf, 178 KB). 2004. [Edited Creole database, model].
Haitian Creole D-base: Kri pou liberasyon: a collection of poems in Haitian Creole. (pdf, 109
kb). [Edited Creole database, model].
Haitian Creole D-Base: Writings By Emanuel W. Védrine. (Part I, pdf, 259 kb). [Edited Creole
database, model].
Haitian Creole-English Bilingual Dictionary. The Indiana University, Creole Institute. [E. W.
Védrine, member of the editorial team].
Kèk mo, fraz, espresyon ki parèt nan seri ‘Lang manman nou’ ak Mango Dyesifò. [Some
words, phrases and expressions].
Kèk plant kreyòl ak non yo an laten. [Some Creole plants and their names in Latin. (In Haitian –
English Dictionary, 5th. ed. Vol.1. 2004. Kansas University)].
Kòmantè sou mo imel, kouryèl. [Comment on the word e-mail : Commentaire sur les mots
courriels et mail (mel)].
Leksik ak etimoloji: yon ti rale sou mo ‘bòlèt’. [Lexicon and etymology: a comment on the word
bòlèt (lottery)].
Leksik kreyòl: ekzanp devlopman kèk mo ak fraz a pati 1986 (pdf, 79 kb). [Haitian Creole
lexicon: example of the development of some words and phrases from 1986].
30
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Machin kreyòl Vilsen an ap double lòt. [Vilsen's Kreyòl car is passing others].
Il n’y a rien définitif dans ce lexique. Le public comprendra que dans ce genre de travail il y aura
quand même des oublis… Espérons que la prochaine édition comblera les lacunes soit par l’addition
des vocables, soit en entendu encore le répertoire des expressions complémentaires qui viennent
s’ajouter au créole pour rendre ce lexique complet possible” –– Professor Marc Prou, University of
Massachusetts-Boston.
Rechèch lengwistik: Orijin kreyòl. [Linguistic research: the origin of Haitian Creole].
Repons a kèk kesyon ki an rapò ak 'mo & espresyon nouvo' an kreyòl ayisyen. [Answers to
some questions related to 'words & new expressions in Haitian Creole]
Vèdik Raboto a nan kad yon analiz leksikografik. [A lexicographic analysis of the ‘Raboto's
verdict’].
Twin verbs or ‘vèb marasa’ in Haitian Creole: [‘Vèb marasa’ an kreyòl ayisyen].
Yon koudèy sou de gran diksyonè sou kreyòl Ayiyen. [A look at two great dictionaries on
Haitian Creole].
Yon koudèy sou nòmalizasyon ak leksik. [A look at standardization and lexicon (in Haitian
Creole)].
31
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
(Writing samples of : Echantiyon zèv) •Albert Valdman, linguist. •Barack Obama, presidential
candidate; Diskou Barack Obama. •Pierre-Michel Chery, statistician, writer. •Bernard Dadié, Ivorian
writer. •Boston Public Schools (Chapter 766, Special Education). .•Cambridge Title I and Even
Start. •Déita (Mercedes Guignard, writer. •Ewald Delva (Konpè Zòf), poet. •Féquière Vilsaint,
editor. •Hérold Israel, journalist. •Jan Mapou (Jean-Marie Willer Denis), playwright (work
translated to English: (play) D.P.M-Kanntè). •Jean Armoce Dugé, writer. •Jean Eric René, essayist. •
Joël Lorquet, journalist. •Jean Fouchard, historian. •Joel Theodat, educator, and translator. •Jules
Faine, translator and philologist. •Mango Dyesifò, lexicon columnist. •Martha Florence Védrine,
musician. •Mason Integrated Technologies Ltd. and The Creole Clearinghouse (headed by Marilyng
Mason, wed editor, software developer). •Michel-Ange Hyppolite (Kaptenn Koukourouj), educator
and writer. •Morel Berthol, physician. •Nicolas Sarkozy, former president of France. •Odette R.
Fombrun, educator, and historian. •Patrick Jerôme, film maker. •Pauris Jean-Baptiste, translator
and writer. •Article on President Martelly: “Presidente Martelly, lo kanta pa rekounda fondo” (from
Papiamento to Haitian Creole, “Prezidan Martelly pral chante pou ranmase fon”). •Pierre Ericq
Pierre, former Ex-designated Prime Minister. •Pimsleur Language Training. •Pradel Pompilus,
educator, and linguist. •Roberto Gibral-Tarik, educator and poet. •Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain,
linguist, and anthropologist (worked edited: A bibliography of her publications by the author).
•Somerville Human Rights Commission. •Tony Jean-Jacques (1960-2001), educator and poet.
•Translation of medical terminologies, English–Haitian Creole (Tradiksyon Tèminoloji Medikal,
anglè – kreyòl).
EDUCATION : EDIKASYON
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole, 334 entries)
Ale nan kolèj: pwoblèm ak solisyon. (Ref. in Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti, pp. 95-115. 1994).
A look at the problem of schools in Haiti: comments and suggestions. [Yon koudèy sou
pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti: kòmantè ak sijesyon].
Ayiti: pou yon edikasyon pratik lè vandredi. [Haiti: for a practical education on Fridays].
Conseils pour les parents (école elémentaire) : Général, Math & Lecture. [Konsèy pou paran
(lekòl elemantè) : Jeneral, Matematik & Lekti].
Creole or French, a subject of discussion. [Kreyòl ou Fransè, yon sijè pou diskite].
Going to college: problems and solutions (for Haitian students). [Ale nan kolèj: pwoblèm ak
solisyon (pou elèv ayisyen. Isi, mo “kolèj” gen sans “enstitisyon siperyè”)].
Enfòmasyon an liy pou Elèv Ayisyen & Pwofesè. [Online information for Haitian Students and
Teachers].
Enpòtans pou dekwoche yon diplòm fen etid segondè. [On the importance of acquiring a high
school diploma].
Èske Ayiti bezwen plis inivèsite bòlèt apre 12 janvye 2010?. [Does Haiti need more mediocre
iniversities after January 12, 2010?]
Èske kréyol se yon bon zouti pou ta aprann nan lekòl Ayiti?. [Is Creole a good tool to learn in
school in Haiti?].
Ide pou kreye yon 'high school ayisyen' prive nan Boston. VEDCREP, MA. 1994. 102 p.
Fè rechèch: pwoblèm ak solisyon pou elèv ayisyen Ayiti e Ozetazini. [Doing research: problem
and solution for Haitian students in Haiti and in the United States)].
Haitians and the myth about ‘Blacks don’t read’. [Ayisyen ak mit «Moun Nwa pa li»].
Kèk kesyon pou ouvè deba sou pwoblèm edikasyon Ayiti. [Some questions to open debates on
the problem of education in Haiti].
Kilè yon refòm tout bon vre nan pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti?. (Ref. in Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, 1996, pp.
312-319. [When will there be a real reform in the problem of school in Haiti?].
Kreyòl Lesson for beginners: an introduction to Haitian Creole. (pdf, 64 KB). [Manual for
beginners].
Konvèsasyon kat ti zanmi ki te nan ‘High School’ (pdf, 28 kb. Ref. in Gramè Kreyòl Védrine,
1996). [Conversation of four friends who were in high school (A sample of ‘code-switching’ among
the young generation of Haitians in the United States].
Lekòl an Ayiti, yon pwoblèm total-kapital. Haïti Courrier. Vol.1, #6. avril 1992). [Schools in Haiti,
a real problem : École en Haïti, un vrai problem].
Nòt pou ‘distribitè’ ak ‘mezondedisyon liv kreyòl’. [Note for ‘distributors’ and ‘publishers’ of
books in Creole].
Nòt sou koutmen Kiba ap bay Ayiti nan domèn edikasyon, tradiksyon yon atik ak tit:
‘Pwennvi: Kiba kontinye pwogram kiltirèl e edikasyonèl li’ : Note on Cuba’s help to Haiti in the are
of education (translation of an article)].
Obama demande au Congrès une aide de 2,8 milliards pour Haïti: Obama mande Kongrè
yon èd 2,8 milya pou Ayiti. (Translation in Creole: E. W. Védrine).
Pasaj Yves Estenvil Boston nan kad yon misyon edikatif e kiltirèl. [Yves Estenvil’s short visit
in Boston for an educative and cultural mission].
33
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Plan pou devlope ti lekòl kominotè Ayiti. [Plan to develop small community schools in Haiti :
Plan pour développer de petites écoles communautaires]
Premye etap avèk yon òdinatè. [First Step with computers. Co-edited book : Liv ko-edite].
Rate materyèl (pedagojik) nan Pwogram Bileng Ayisyen an. [Lack of (teaching) materials in the
Haitian Bilingual Program].
Some online teaching materials for Haitian Bilingual Programs & research on Kreyòl. [Kèk
materyèl didaktik sou entènèt la pou Edikasyon Bileng Ayisyen & rechèch sou kreyòl)].
Tèm pou ouvè diskisyon sou 'pedagoji' nan milye ayisyen. [Themes to open discussion on
‘pedagogy’ in the Haitian milieu].
Will a multilingual programs solve Haiti's schools real problem?. [Èske yon pwogram miltileng
pral solisyone vrè pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti?]
Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl Ayiti. Soup to Nuts Publishers. Cambridge, MA. 1994. 117 p. [A
look at the problem of schools in Haiti].
Agrikilti ta dwe premye sib nan devlopman Ayiti (pdf, 54 kb). [Agriculture the first Target for
Haiti's Development (pdf, 57 KB). Boston Haitian Reporter, July 2004].
Ann aprann plant nou yo. (Ref. in Gramè Kreyòl Védrine (1996). [Let's learn our plants].
Ann pale de bwa ak fri Ayiti! (Ref. in Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen, pp. 160-180). [Let's talk
about trees and fruits in Haiti!].
Ayiti, yon peyi ravaje nou dwe sispann detwi. Bon Nouvèl #352. 1999. [Haiti and the destruction
of nature. (pdf, 65 kb)].
Kèk plant kreyòl ak non yo an laten. [Some Creole plants and their names in Latin].
Le reboisement d’Haïti, un défi politique et environnemental. [Kisa k dwe fèt reyèlman pou
rebwaze Ayiti? : What’s really needed to be done to reforest Haiti?].
GRAMMAR : GRAMÈ
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole, 72 entries)
Gramè Kreyòl Védrine (Védrine's Grammar of Haitian Creole). VEDCREP. Boston, MA. 1996.
354 p.; cited in Haitian – English Dictionary, 5th. ed. Vol. I, 2004. Kansas University)… [“Gramè Kreyòl
Védrine may not be an answer to all sociolinguistic questions in the Haitian society; rather, it is a
document witnesses the existence of the Creole language as a spoken language, a document that can
serve as a guide to the native language of all Haitians. I take all my linguistic freedom together with
the authority of the Haitian language to write these grammatical theories that I advance in this book.
They are not inventions but rather observations of the native speakers. As a guide to the Haitian
language, I hope that Gramè Kreyòl Védrine will serve as a source of inspiration to Haitians writing in
Creole and for all those working very hard for the total linguistic liberation of the Creole language.”
-- Emmanuel W. Védrine.
“Gramè Kreyòl Védrine is a reference tool for everyone writing and learning Creole. I congratulate
Emmanuel Védrine for this work. Little by little, the language will shoot buds.” -- Féquière Vilsaint
“Gramè Kreyòl Védrine is a great tool deserving of praise, valuable to everyone working in the Creole
language, whether in the scientific or literary area. We have been looking for this great tool a long
time. That's why I want to raise my voice with other experts in Creole everywhere to ring the bell
and say bravo! to the linguist, Emmanuel Védrine,” -- Keslèbrezo (Kesler Brézault).
“Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, another great accomplishment in the history of the Creole language, will help
people to better see and understanding the reality of their native language. This grammar is a tool
that's going to open the mind. It's going to play a great role for every Haitian teacher and student.”--
Serge Claude Valmé
“Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, yon entèvyou ak otè a. [Védrine’s Grammar of Haitian Creole, an
interview with the author].
Kreyòl Lesson for beginners: An introduction to Haitian Creole. (pdf, 64 kb). [Manual for
learners of Creole].
Kreyol Without Toil: An introductory course to Haitian Creole. [Manual for learners of Creole].
•Interview #13: “A meeting with Serge Claude Valmé to discuss Gramè Kreyòl Védrine”. ('Radyo Vwa
Lakay'). May 1996. •Interview #14: "A discussion with Serge Claude Valmé on the first Kreyòl
35
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
seminar organized by E. W. Védrine Creole Project". June 1996. (ref. Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, 1996).
•Interview #15: “A meeting with Eddy Le Phare to discuss Gramè Kreyòl Védrine». Sept. 1996.
(Creole version), (English version). •Interview #16: “A meeting with David Cangé, Télé Diaspora,
to discuss Gramè Kreyòl Védrine”. June 1996.
• “Konvèsasyon kat ti zanmi ki te nan 'High School” (Ref. in Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, 1996. (pdf, 28
KB) (Un échantillon d’alternance codique parmi la jeune génération haïtienne aux Etats-Unis : A
sample of code-switching among the younger Haitian generation in the US. Conversation of four
friends who were in high school).
• “Premye Seminè Kreyòl E. W. Védrine Creole Project”. Prentan 1996. [“E. W. Védrine Creole
Project has organized a Kreyòl seminar from May 13 to May 20 1996. This seminar was held at the
‘Haitian International Cuisine’, 1616 Commonwealth av. Boston, Massachusetts. It's a Haitian
restaurant that brightly opens its doors to the advancement of cultural activities. The founder of the
project, Emmanuel W. Védrine, was really satisfied with this very! first seminar and he also taking
the opportunity to thank Serge Claude Valmé, David Cangé, Eddy Le Phare and Jan Mapou - four
great figures in the Haitian Media who have really given their support informing the public about
this seminar. The participants were extremely happy. The main text used in the seminar was the
manuscript of Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, the 16th book that Védrine is going to publish. This grammar, a
book with more than 350 pages, covers all grammatical aspects of the Kreyòl language. It will be
published this summer so that people can have access to this linguistic document. Védrine also did a
display of some K reyòl books by Haitian authors. After this great seminar, two media in the Haitian
community of Boston, ‘Radyo Vwa Lakay’ and ‘Tele Dyaspora’, have met with Védrine for an
interview. Here's an excerpt of it:
“Serge Claude Valmé: We are looking at your Kreyòl seminar, can you tell us about its importance for
Haitians?
Serge Claude Valmé: One of the document used in this seminar is one that's going to be published
soon, Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, what can you tell us about it?
E. W. Védrine: Gramè Kreyòl Védrine is my latest book on Kreyòl. That's the first time the whole
Haitian community (Haiti and the Diaspora) is going to have a document that covers all grammatical
aspects of the Kreyòl language. It's a book with more than 350 pages. I believe it is a well-
documented research where It took me a year to complete it. It can help many Haitians who need to
know more about their own native language.
COMMENTS & EVALUATION (Corinne Etienne). [“Evaluation of the Haitian Creole Seminar -
The instructor thoroughly covered what he had planned to cover. Plenty of information was
provided since the manual used deals with a very extensive range of topics. - I have now better
command of the orthography. That was very good practice to hear Haitian speakers read materials
out loud: I am now clearer about the sound-symbol correspondences in Haitian Creole. That was
also interesting to review the changes in the orthography with the shift from one to another. I
36
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
learned much just by listening to the instructor and the participants talking and discussing issues
related to Creole. - I was mostly interested in the cultural part, in particular proverbs and references
to Haitian folk literature (Bouki) mirroring the Haitian duality. The discussion about some Haitian
proverbs or idioms and trying to phrase them differently to make their sense clear or giving
corresponding situations were very useful exercises. - I have already recommended and will
definitely recommend the seminar to other people in the Haitian language and culture. I would like
this type of seminars to continue and propose the following improvements:
Actual group practice with the orthography: maybe a few dictions with immediate self-correction in
order to assimilate to the main spelling rules.
Some practical work in group on the short stories: for instance, working out some short lesson plans
or brainstorming on how these materials would be used in class.
To begin each part of the seminar with a short practice before lecturing or reading from the book. It
would be a good way to identify where people have most questions or doubts about the language.
I particularly appreciated the practice of the instructor and all participants: every one kindly stopped
the class each time I did not undertand in Creole, and I felt I was very lucky to be part of that group.
Finally, all the materials given out are very useful and I am very grateful to have receiving them.”
(Corinne Etienne)]
Douz (12) Prensip Bwa Kayiman. (Text by Pierre-Michel Chery). [The Twelve Bwa Kayiman
Principle: English translation by E. W. Védrine].
Kèk chapit istwa d Ayiti atravè pwezi. [Some chapters of Haiti’s history through poetry].
Peyi m rele Ayiti : My country is Haiti. [A summary of Haiti’s history from colonial times to
1994].
37
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Story related to Haiti and Dominican Republic Relations. [Istwa ki an rapò ak Relasyon ant
Ayiti e Repiblik Dominikèn].
INTERVIEWS : ENTÈVYOU
A travers les média haïtiens du Massachusetts -- •“Haïti Diaspo Inter”, David Cangé: directeur de
programmation and journaliste à “Télé Diaspora”; •“Anba Tonèl Lakay” et “Radio Libération”,
Yvon Lamour: hôte; •“Ayiti Fokis”; “Chache-Konnen ak Védrine sur les antennes d’Haïti Diaspo
Inter» (critique littéraire), Emmanuel W. Védrine: hôte; •“Inspiration Ministry”, Fritz Alvarez:
directeur de programation; •“Les dossiers de l'ère sur l'antenne”, Charlot Lucien: hôte; •“Lèt ak Kilti
: Lettres & Culture”, Eddy Le Phare: hôte; •“Paj Istwa Dayiti”, Roro Jean: hôte; •“Radio Choucoune
Universelle”, Widneer Jean-Michel: hôte; •“Radyo Vwa Lakay”, Serge Claude Valmé: hôte et
directeur de programation; •“Télé Créole”, ‘Les dossiers de l’ère sur l’écran avec Charlot Lucien’;
•“Vision 2000», Orèsjozèf: hôte. •“Lè Kreyòl kenbe w : When you have a need for Kreyòl” (pdf, 32
KB). (“Interview avec le linguiste haïtien Emmanuel W. Védrine à l’occasion de ses dix ans de
recherche sur le créole”. Gotson Pierre, SICRAD, oct. 2000. •Dictionnaire De L’évolution Du
Vocabulaire Français En Haïti (dans le discours politique, économique et social du 7 février 1986 à nos
jours: Interview avec l’auteur, André Vilaire Chéry (version anglaise). VEDCREP. Boston. Dec.
1999. •“Entèvyou: Emmanuel W. Védrine ak Vilaire Chéry”. An interview with Vilaire Chéry related
to his inventory of words / idioms documented during the political climate, from February 1986 to
2000. It was a pleasure meeting each other during his visit at Indiana University-Bloomington to
share his research idea with us. (December 10, 1999). •“Meeting with Serge Claude Valmé, 'Vwa
Lakay', to discuss the poetic works of E. W. Védrine”. June 1998. •“A discussion with Widner Jean-
Michel, 'Radyo Choukoun Inivèsèl'. Brockton, Masschusetts. August 1998. •“Interview with Jan
Mapou about his play D.P.M.-Kanntè. (‘Chache-Konnen ak Védrine’, Haïti Diaspo Inter’). Feb.
1997. Play translated by E. W. Védrine. •“Nos incertitudes” (œuvre poétique), interview with the
author: Dalla Pierre”. (‘Chache-Konnen ak Védrine sur les antennes d’Haïti Diaspo Inter’).
printemps 1997. •“Premier rencontre avec Féquière Vilsaint sur les antennes d’Haïti Diaspo Inter".
('Chache-Konnen ak Védrine sur les antennes d’Haïti Diaspo Inter). avril 1997. •“Yon chita-tande ak
Kaptenn Koukourouj (Michel-Ange Hyppolite) ”. (‘Chache-Konnen ak Védrine sou antèn Haïti
Diaspo Inter’). printemps 1997. •“Un premier rencontre avec Roody Barthèlemy”. ('Chache-Konnen
ak Védrine sur les antennes d’Haïti Diaspo Inter). été 1997. •“Discussion with Orèsjozèf, Tele
Kreyòl, on ‘Development of Teaching Materials For Haitian Bilingual”. 1996. •Premier rencontre
avec Eddy Le Phare. ('Lèt ak Kilti'). fev. 1996. (pdf, 43 KB). •“Rencontre avec le poète Roberto
Gibral-Tarik” (auteur de One in a Million, recueil de poèmes). ('Chache-Konnen ak Védrine sur les
antennes d’Haïti Diaspo Inter). printemps 1996. •“Interview avec Serge Claude Valmé pour discuter.
(ref. in Gramè Kreyòl Védrine»; ‘Radyo Vwa Lakay’). mai 1996. •“Yon chita-pale ak Serge Claude
Valmé sou premye seminè kreyòl E. W. Védrine Creole Project”. jen 1996. (Ref. Gramè Kreyòl
Védrine, 1996). •“Rencontre avec Eddy Le Phare pour discuter sur Gramè Kreyòl Védrine”. sept. 1996.
(version créole; version anglaise). •“Rencontre avec David Cangé sur Télé Diaspora pour discuter
sur Gramè Kreyòl Védrine”. juin 1996. •“Yon chita-pale ak Jan Mapou”. Miami (Haitian Radio
38
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Network). juillet. 1996. •“Yon Jounen Entènasyonal Kreyòl nan Boston” ['Anba Tonèl Lakay'].
Panel: E. W. Védrine, Yvon Lamour, Kesler Brezault et Kaptenn Koukourouj. oct. 1996.
•“Rencontre avec Orèsjozèf sur les antennes de Vision 2000”. 1995. •“Un premier rencontre avec
David Cangé sur Télé Diaspora”. automne 1995. •“Un premier rencontre avec Yvon Lamour sur les
antennes de Radio Libération”. automne 1995. •“Chita-pale ak Dr. Morel Berthol, Tony Jean-
Jacques sou “Ide pou kreye yon 'High School' Ayisyen prive nan Boston”. mai 1994. •“Rencontre
avec Emmanuel René sur les antennes de Ayiti Fokis». 1994. •“Rencontre avec Gerathel Théodore
sur les antennes de Ayiti Fokis”. 1994. •«Rencontre avec Roro Jan sur les antennes de Paj Istwa
Dayiti». 1994. •“Interviews avec 'Inspiration Ministry”. 1992, 1993. •“Premier rencontre avec Père
Ati (ancient hôte de 'Tandèm Pawoli Kreyòl’) ”. Brockton, Massachusetts. oct. 1993. •Premier
rencontre avec Roosevel Desronvilles (JEBCA eds.) pou diskite sou woman, Sezon sechrès Ayiti (ed.
2014). Fev. 2015, Studio Echo Evangelique, Mattapan, MA. USA.
SKETCH : PYESÈT
Konvèsasyon kat ti zanmi ki te nan ‘High School’. (Ref. in Gramè Kreyòl Védrine, 1996. (Un
échantillon d’alternance codique parmi la jeune génération haïtienne aux Etats-Unis) |
“Conversation of four friends who were in high school”].
POETRY : PWEZI
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole, 204 entries)
•Ala traka pou demokrasi : What a pity for democracy! •Anpàn mo : Lacking words. •Ayisyen ak
Chinwa : Haitians and Chinese •Ayisyen, sispann pran lòd nan men zòt! : Haitians, stop follow their
orders! •Ayisyen, yon metis : Haitian, a mixed blood child •Ayiti bezwen dyaspora : Haiti needs the
Diaspora •Ayiti nan fen ventyèm syèk : Haiti at the turn of the 20th century •Ayiti pèpèrize : Haiti’s
invasion by cheap imports •Ayiti pou Ayisyen : Haiti to Haitians •Babay lekòl mwen an : Goodbye
my school •Bavardage des candidats Patrie-Poches •Bòn anivèsè : Happy birthday •Bonjou, mwen
se Ayisyen! : Bonjour, je suis Haïtien! •Bò Oseyan an : By the Ocean •Chalbari dèyè save raketè! :
Raising a hue and cry against pseudo Haitian scholars •Defann mwen m ap defann ou zaboka :
Defend me, I'll will defend you avocado •De flè nan jaden lavi, Haïti en Marche, Vol. XV, #23. (Two
flowers in the garden of life) •Dènye lendi : The Last Monday : El último Lunes •Deskripsyon :
Description •Dezyèm endepandans : Second Independence •Diskou yon kandida tafyatè, Bon
Nouvèl, novanm 2005 #423. Speech of a drunk man •Dis powèm sou lanati : TEN POEMS ON
NATURE. Boston, MA: VEDCREP. 21 p. (Dix poèmes sur la nature). •Divòs : Divorce. •Douz liy
pou li : Twelve lines to read. •Egzamen pou kandida alaprezidans : Exam for presidential
candidates. •Eleksyon konfizyon : Election Confusion. •Entelektyèl komokyèl : Pseudo scholar.
Haitian-American Tribune, Vol. IV, #3/4. 1998. •Epi solèy la leve Ayiti : And the sun rises in Haiti.
•Èske nou gen desandan? : Do we have ancestors? •Esprime w! : Can you speak French? •Fanm
Ayiti : Haiti Women •Fanm kreyòl : Creole Women •Fanm lakay : Home women •Fanm marabou :
Dark-skinned woman with straight silky hair •Fanm marabou jansiv vyolèt : The marabou woman
39
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
with violet gums •Fenwa ak klete an 1991 : Darkness and gleam in 1991 •Filalang lanmou : Teasing
with love •File : Courting. File se yon lotri : Courting is a lottery •Flè sovay, Le Matin, 17 nov. 2006.
(Wild flower : Fleur sauvage) •Fok sa fini! : This must come to an end! •Gen defwa m sonje w :
Sometimes I remember you •Jimnastik politik : Political gymnastics •Jounen Entènasyonal Felix
Morisseau-Leroy : Felix Morisseau-Leroy's International Day •Jou pa ou. Your day, Haïti en Marche,
Vol. XIII #51. 2000 •Kandida dan griyen, Bon Nouvèl, #426. Fev. 2006 •Kandida dwategoch : Fli-
flop candidates. Bon Nouvèl, #426. Fev. 2006 •Kandida lamayòt : Clown candidates. Bon Nouvèl,
#426. Fev. 2006 •Kat lèt : Four letters : L'existence et la puissance de l'amour •Kè m ak ou menm :
My heart and you •Ki kote Ayiti ye? : Where’s Haiti? •Kilè w ap retounen : When are you coming
back? •Kisa ou ye? : Who are you? : Wer bist du? (version allemande) : Qui vous êtes? : Quem é
você? (version portuguaise) •Kote kochon kreyòl nou yo? : What happened to our the Creole pigs?
•Kote m te fèt : Where I was born •Koudeta nan peyi sivilize : Coup d’état in a civilized country.
•Koutba : Low blow •Kowalisyon pou eleksyon : Coalition for presidential elections •21 kout
kanno pou Obama : A 21 gun salute for Obama •Koze lanmou (Vol. I) : A collection of love poems
in Haitian Creole. VEDCREP. Boston, MA. 1995. 48 p. •Kreyòl, Fransè, Anglè: kilès ki towo a
Ayiti? : Kreyòl, French, English: which one is the bull in Haiti? VEDCREP. •Kreyòl se lang ki towo
a. Haiti en Marche. Vol. XXI, #2. (Kreyol is the unbeatable language). •Lafrechè : The street walker.
•Lago ak Lamou : Hide-and-sick game with love. •Lago ak Lavi, The Creole Connection, Vol. IV, #III.
1998. (Version anglaise par Anna Wexler; version française par Pierre Michel Chery; ref. Tanbou).
•Lago san kache, Haïti Progrès, Vol. XV, #23 (Sick-and-hide game without hiding). •Lang :
Language. •Lanmou o pliryèl : Love in plural. •Lanmou se yon fri san sezon : Love is a fruit with
no season. •Lavèy 30 Septanm : The Eve of September 30 (in An annotated bibliography On Haitian
Creole). •Lavi : Life. •Lavi se yon powèm : Life is a poem. •Lavoum pou yo! : Fuck them!, The
Nations Tribune. 1999. •Lè Ayiti te Ayiti : Haiti’s golden years. •Lè fanm lakay damou : When
Haitian women are in love. •Lè m monte yon pye kachiman : When I climb up a star-apple tree.
•Lè m te fèk rankontre w : When I first met you. •Lè tout Ayisyen va pran konsyans : When all
Haitians will become conscious. •Lidè Ayiti bezwen an : The leader that Haiti needs. •Li deja
Prezidan : He is already president. •Litani yon machann : Litany of a vendor (in Anthology of Haitian
Poets of Massachusetts, pp. 78-80, 1998). •Lomeyans pou Mapou : In praise of Jan Mapou, Haïti en
Marche. Vol. XI, #.1. •Manman, pa ban m tete ankò : Mother, don’t breastfeed me no more, Haïti en
Marche, 1999. •Mantalite lakay : Haitian mentality. •Maryaj : Marriage. •Meditasyon : Meditation.
•Montre m pito : Teach me instead. •Mòtorat : Poison for rats, Haïti en Marche. Vol. XI, No.2,
fev.1997. •Mwen reve w dwòl : A weird dream of you. •Mwen sonje ou : I remember you. •Nan
Forè Nwa : In the Black Forest : Dans la Forêt Noire : Im Scharzen Wald (version allemande). •Nan
Pak la : In the Park. •Nan pwovens : In the countryside, Bon Nouvèl, #36. janv. 1998; Bon Nouvèl,
#409. jiyè-out 2004. •Nègès ki fè bote rivaj mwen yo : The woman who beautifies my shores. •Nou
panse n te sèl : We thought we were alone. •Nwèl lavèy Bisantnè. [version française Noël, veille de
Bicentenaire par Jean-Samuel Sahaï; version italienne Natale, vigilia del Bicentenario par Francesca
Palli]. •Oktosilab pou Alfred Largange : Octosyllable for Alfred Largange. •Ou panse m t ap tounen
: You think I was coming back. •Pa bliye : Don’t forget. •Pawòl an pil : Words in piles. •Pèp ayisyen
an 1990 : The Haitian People in 1990, Tanbou, Vol. II, #1. 1996. •Peripesi yon ti pèp nwa :
Hardships of a small Black nation. • «20 POWÈM AYISYEN» : 20 POEMS IN HAITIAN
CREOLE. VEDCREP. Boston, MA. avril 1998 •20 Poèmes en créole haïtien (sélectionnés des
collections de l’auteur: Ti powèm ayisyen OKTOSILAB: Koze lanmou, Poetry in Haitian Creole, Kri pou
liberasyon) pour des critique littéraires. TITRES: •Sen Valanten •priye pou mwen •Lanmou se yon fri
san sezon •Lanmou konn gen kachkach liben •Gen defwa m sonje w •Ou mande m eple lanmou •Pa
mande m defini lanmou •Douz liy pou li •Pou fete anivèsè w •Peripesi yon ti pèp nwa •Kote kochon
kreyòl nou yo? •Transpòtasyon an Ayiti •Alfabetizasyon bòkyè •Pòv k ap mande nan Pòtoprens
40
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
•Politisyen Granmanjè yo •Peyizan Ayisyen; •Lè Ayiti te Ayiti •Se kreyòl mwen pale •Ou vle konnen
kote m fèt? •Respè pou fanm Ayiti Tonma •Lago ak lavi. •23 Poèmes en français et en haïtien.
VEDCREP. Boston, MA. 1995. 52 p. •Afrika oh! Afrika oh! : Afrika! Afrika. •Dans la forêt Noire :
Nan Forè Nwa. •Europe et Espagne : Ewòp ak Espay. •Le voyageur : Vwayajè. •Les deux Ponts :
Pon Nèf ak Pon Women. •Salamanca : Salamank. •Souvenir de Vienne : Souvni k sot Vyèn. •Vive
les vacances : Viv vakans!. •Au bord de l'Océan : Bò Oseyan an. •Ce que tu dois savoir : Sa ou dwe
konnen. •Dans le Parc : Nan Pak la. •L'existence et la puissance de l'amour : Ekzistans ak puisans
lanmou. •Souvenir : Souvni. •L'alpha et l'omega : Premye ak dènye. •L'enfant et sa mère adoptive :
Pitit ak manman adoktif li. •L'Haïtien et le Chinois : Ayisyen ak Chinwa. •L'Haïtien, un metis :
Ayisyen, yon metis. •L'Oiseau et le printemps : Zwazo ak prentan. •Où se trouve Haïti? : Kikote
Ayiti ye?. •Qui vous êtes : Kisa ou ye?. •Saison Rouge : Sezon Wouj. •Trente ans emprisonné :
Trantan anprizone. •Un temoin : Yon temwen … •Pitit ak manman adoktif li : Child and adopted
mother. •Plase : Living together. •Poukisa se Ayisyen? : Why blaming Haitians all the time? •Pòv k
ap mande nan Pòtoprens : Poor people begging in Port-au-Prince. •Premye ak dènye : Alpha and
Omega. •Prière amérindienne, (adapté par Eric Caberia) : Amerindian prayer (English translation by
E. W. Védrine). •Priyè delivrans pou Ayiti : Deliverance prayer for Haiti. •Pyebwa libète : The
Liberty Tree. •Pwòpte : Cleanliness. •Refleksyon sou Onz Septanm : Reflecting on September
Eleven. •Reken yo kontinye ap fete : The sharks go on celebrating. •Resèt pou depresyon : Recipe
for depression. •Respè pou Fanm Ayiti Tonma : Respect for the Women of Haiti. Libète, #293. me
1998. •Revè 1986 : The reverse of 1986. •Rèv dwòl : Incredible dream. •Rèv mwen pou demen :
My dream for tomorrow. Haïti en Marche, Vol. XIV #3. 2000. •Rèv pou yon manman an danje :
Dream for a Mother in danger. •Rilaks : Relax. •Sa m panse de powèm (version anglaise de l’auteur :
What I think about poetry); version française, “Ce que je pense des poems”, par Jean-Samuel Sahaï;
version allemande “Was ich über Poesie denke”, par Andrina Soliva; version swahili, “Ninavyofikiria
kuhusu ushairi” par Richard Kifutu; Ref. in Tanbou). •Sa ou dwe konnen : What I want you to know
: Ce que tu dois savoir. •Sapoti ou dous : Sapodilla, you are sweet. •Se bon tande! : Watch out!,
Haïti en Marche, Vol. XV, #23; •Se do l mwen wè : Elle de dos. •Sekrè lanmou : Secret of love. •Se
Kreyòl mwen ye, se Kreyòl mwen pale : I am Creole, I speak Creole. 2010. •Se kreyòl mwen pale : I
speak Kreyòl. Kreyòl Connection. 1997. •Sen valanten, priye pou mwen : Pray for me St. Valentine.
Haïti en Marche, Vol. XV, #23. •Sezon wouj : The Red Season :Saison rouge. •Si m te, m ta.... : If I
were, I would... (Ref. in Revolution Révolution Revolisyon: an artistic commemoration of the Haitian
Revolution, édité par Ella Turenne, Eds. Publisher Liv Lakay. 2004. •Si ou te konn apresye : If you
knew how to appreciate. •Si van an vante : If the wind blows. •Si w ap vole : If you are flying; •Si w
te konnen… (version française “Oh, oh, tu ne le savais pas?” par Jean-Samuel Sahaï; version
italienne : “Tu non lo sapevi...” par Francesca Palli. •Solèy lanmou w kouche pou mwen : Your love
sun is set for me. •Solèy sa a : This sun. • Sou Sou Sou : Sue Sue Sue. •Souri ban mwen : Smile at me.
•Souri l ak pa Mona Lisa : Her smile and Mona Lisa’s. •Souvni : Souvenir. •Tande kri peyizan yo :
Listen to the peasant's cry. •Te kwè nou tout se Ayisyen : Aren’t we all Haitians? •Transpòtasyon an
Ayiti : Transportation in Haiti. •Trantan anprizone : Thirty years in jail. •Triyang souwè : Triangle of
souvenir.
•Vèb Ayiti ap konjige : Verbs that Haiti has been conjugating. •Vèb renmen : To love. •Vote ak
konsyans! : Vote consciously!. •Vwayajè : The traveler : Le voyageur. •Womans Ozetazini : Romance
in the United States. •Yo menm, mwen menm: ladiferans : Eux, moi: la différence. •Yon jaden lavi :
41
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
A garden of life, (version française : Un jardin de la vie, Jean-Samuel Sahaï). •Yon bèl jaden flè : A
beautiful garden of flowers. •Yon bouke flè pou fanm vanyan : A bunch of flowers for courageous
women. •Yon pye flanbwayan : A flamboyant tree. •Yon ti woz : A little rose. •Yon vwayaj an Itali :
A trip to Italy : Un viaggio in Italia (version italienne). •Zam mwen se yon plim : My weapon is a
pen. (en pdf). •Zwazo ak prentan : The bird and Spring : L'oiseau et le printemps.
BILINGUAL POEMS (Powèm Bileng : Poèmes Bilingues). [Appeared in Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng
Ayisyen, 1994. Cambridge, MA: Soup to Nuts. Titles includes: •Afrik! Afrik! : Afrika oh! Afrika oh!,
(pp. 64). •Ayisyen ak Chinwa: L’Haïtien et le Chinois, pp.67). •Ce que tu dois savoir : What I want
you to know, pp. 66). •Dans la Forêt Noire : In the Black Forest, pp.63). •Defann mwen m ap
defann ou zaboka : Defend me, I’ll will defend you avocado), pp. 166. •Kat lèt: Four letters, pp.62).
•Kisa ou ye: Who you are, pp.69). •Lang: Language, pp.65). •Vwayajè: Le voyageur, pp.68)].
PUBLISHED POEMS (in periodicals, anthologies and books; written between 1986 and 2009).
• “Bòn anivèsè” (Happy birthday). Haiti en Marche, Vol. XXII, #10, avril 2008.
• “De flè nan jaden lavi (Two flowers in the garden of life). Haïti en Marche, Vol. XV, #23; in JKL
(jounal kreyòl ayisyen), jiyè 2002, Vol. 1, #1.
• “Diskou yon kandida tafyatè” (Speech of a drunkard). Bon Nouvèl, novanm 2005, #423.
• “Elle de dos” (Isee her back, departing). In Voices of the sun (anthology), Volume I, pp. 147.
• “Entelektyèl komokyèl” (Pseudo scholar). Haitian-American Tribune, Vol. IV, #3/4. 1998.
• “Fanm Ayiti” (Haiti Women). Haiti en Marche, Vol.XXI, #29. Aout. 2007. In Voices of the sun
(anthology), Volume I, pp. 275.
• “Fanm marabou jansiv vyèlèt” (Dark skin women with straight silky hair) [In Materyèl Edikatif pou
Bileng Ayisyen, 1994, pp.174].
• “File se yon lotri” (Courting is a lottery). Tanbou, ivè - prentan 2000.
• “Flè sovay” (Wild flower | Fleur sauvage). Le Matin, 17 nov. 2006.
• “Gen defwa m sonje w” (Sometimes, I remember you). JKL (jounal kreyòl ayisyen), Vol. 1, #5,
mas 2003.
• “Jou pa ou” (Your day). Haïti en Marche, Vol. XIII #51. 2000.
• “Jounen Entènasyonal Felix Morisseau-Leroy” (Felix Morisseau-Leroy's International Day).
Tanbou, ivè - prentan 2000.
• “Kandida dan griyen”. (Candidates who have nothing to offer). Bon Nouvèl, #426, fev. 2006.
• “Kandida dwategoch” (Flip-flop candidates). Bon Nouvèl, #426, fev. 2006.
• “Kandida lamayòt” (Clown candidates). Bon Nouvèl, #426, fev. 2006.
• “Kreyòl se lang ki towo a” (Creole is commander-in-chief). Haïti en Marche. Vol. XXI, #2.
• “Koudeta nan peyi sivilize” (Coup d’état in a civilized country). [In An Annotated Bibliography on
Haitian Creole… (2003), pp. 378-379; published also on Haitilonline.com].
Koze Lanmou. Vol. I. 1995 (1st. ed.). Boston, MA: VEDCREP. 48 p. [Written between 1986 – 1995.
A collection of poems in Haitian Creole focusing on “Love”; many of them have appeared in
periodicals, anthologies and books].
Koze Lanmou. Vol. II. [Written between 1995 – 2009. A collection of poems in Haitian Creole
focusing on “Love”; many of them have appeared in periodicals, anthologies and books]. Kri pou
42
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
liberasyon (Cry for liberation). [Written between 1986 – 2009. A collection of poems which main
theme is “liberation; many of them focus on Haiti’s history and the Haitian Reality].
KRI POU LIBERASYON. [Cry for liberation, Collection; Unpub. manuscript; Written between
1986 – 2009. A collection of poems which main theme is “liberation; many of them focus on Haiti’s
history and the Haitian Reality].
• “Lago ak Lanmou” (Hide-and-sick game with love). Haïti en Marche, Vol.XXI, #34, sept. 2007.
• “Lago ak Lavi” (Hide-and-sick game with Life). The Creole Connection, Vol. IV, #III. 1998.
[Translate to English by Anna Wexler (June 1998, The Annual Writers’ Workshop, University of
Massachusetts-Boston; translated to French by Pierre M. Chery (2000)].
• “Lago san kache” (Hide-and-sick game without hiding). Haïti en Marche, Vol. XV, #23.
• “Lafrechè” (The young prostitute). JKL (jounal kreyòl ayisyen). Vol. #4, janv. 2003.
• “Lanmou o pliryèl” (Love in plural). Tanbou, ivè - prentan 2000.
• “Lavèy 30 Septanm” (The Eve of September 30). [In An annotated bibliography on Haiti Creole, 2003,
pp. 580-581].
• “Lavoum pou yo! ” (Tell them to go away). The Nations Tribune. 1999.
• “Lè m monte yon pye kachiman” (When I climb custard apple tree). [In Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng
Ayisyen, 1994, pp. 178].
• “Litani yon machann” (Litany of a market vendor). [In Anthology of Haitian Poets of Massachusetts,
pp. 78-80, 1998].
• “L’oiseau et le printemps” (The bird and Spring). [In An Annotated Bibliography on Haitian Creole,
2003].
• “Manman, pa ban m tete ankò” (Mother, don't breastfeed me no more). Haïti en Marche, 1999.
• “Mantalite lakay” (Haitian mentality back home). In Voices of the sun (anthology), Volume I, pp.
122-123.
• “Mòtorat” (Rat poison). Haïti en Marche. Vol. XI, No.2, fev.1997.
• “Mwen reve w dwòl” (A weird dream of you). In Istwa Pwezi Kreyòl Ayiti (anthology and essay, 2000
– edited by Michel-Ange Hyppolite), pp.202.
• “Nan Amerik, nou wè…” [Translated from the English original, “In the Americas, we see…”, by
Roberto Gibral-Tarik (an excerpt from his poetry book One in a Million, pp. 27-29). Both Creole
and English texts republished in An Annotated Bibliography on Haitian Creole, 2003, pp. 364-365)].
• “Nan pwovens” (In the countryside). Bon Nouvèl, #36. janv. 1998; #409, jiyè - out 2004.
• “Nègès ki fè bote rivaj mwen yo” (The woman who beautifies my shores). [In Materyèl Edikatif pou
Bileng Ayisyen, 1994, pp. 168-169].
• “Nouvo direktè, nouvo woulo konpresè” (A new manager, a new bulldozer). Haïti en Marche,
Vol.XX, #16, avril 2006.
• “Nwèl lavèy Bisantè” (French version: Noël, veille de Bicentenaire by Jean-Samuel Sahaï; Italian
version: Natale, vigilia del Bicentenario by Francesca Palli). JKL (jounal kreyòl ayisyen). Vol. 2, #3,
janvye. 2004.
• “Pèp ayisyen an 1990” (The Haitian people in 1990). Tanbou, Vol. II, #1. 1996.
• “Peripesi yon ti Pèp Nwa” (Hardships of a small Black Nation). [In An Annotated Bibliography on
Haitian Creole, 2003, pp. 577].
• “Premye ak dènye”. (Alpha and Omega). In Voices of the sun (anthology), Volume I, pp. 272.
43
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Pòv k ap mande nan Pòtoprens” (Beggars in Port-au-Prince). In Voices of the sun (anthology),
Volume I, pp. 274.
• “Pwòpte” (Cleanliness). JKL (jounal kreyòl ayisyen). Vol 2, #1, jiyè 2003.
• “Pyebwa libète” (The liberty tree). [In Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen, 1994, pp. 172].
23 Poèmes en français et en haïtien. 1995. VEDCREP: Boston, MA. 52 p. [23 poems in French and
Haitian Creole. Titles include: 1• Afrika oh! Afrika oh!: Afrika! Afrika. 2• Au bord de l'Océan: Bò
Oseyan an 3• Ce que tu dois savoir: Sa ou dwe konnen. 4• Dans la Forêt Noire : Nan Forè Nwa : In
the Black Forest : Im Scharzen Wald. 5• Dans le Parc: Nan Pak la. 6• Europe et Espagne: Ewòp ak
Espay. 7• Les deux Ponts: Pon Nèf ak Pon Women. 8• Le voyageur: Vwayajè. 9• L'enfant et sa mère
adoptive: Pitit ak manman adoktif li. 10• L'existence et la puissance de l'amour: Ekzistans ak puisans
lanmou (Kat lèt | Four letters). 11• L'Alpha et L'Omega: Premye ak dènye. 12• L'Haïtien et le
Chinois : Ayisyen ak Chinwa. 13• L'Haïtien, un metis : Ayisyen, yon metis. 14• L'Oiseau et le
printemps: Zwazo ak prentan. 15• Où se trouve Haïti?: Ki kote Ayiti ye?. 16• Qui vous êtes: Kisa ou
ye? (Quem é você? | Who you are) 17• Salamanca: Salamank. 18• Saison rouge: Sezon wouj. 19•
Souvenir: Souvni. 20• Souvenir de Vienne: Souvni k sot Vyèn. 21• Trente ans emprisonné:Trantan
anprizone. 22• Un temoin: Yon temwen. 23• Vive les vacances: Viv vakans].
• “Refleksyon sou Onz Septanm” (Reflection of September Eleven). In Voices of the sun (anthology),
Volume I, pp. 272-273.
• “Reken yo kontinye ap fete” (The sharks continue to celebrate) In Voices of the sun (anthology),
Volume I, pp. 273.
• “Respè pou Fanm Ayiti Tonma” (Respect for the Women of Haiti). Libète, #293, me 1998. (In An
Annotated Bibliography on Haitian Creole, 2003, pp. 578-579].
• “Rèv mwen pou demen” (My dream for tomorrow). Haïti en Marche, Vol. XIV #3. 2000; in JKL
(jounal kreyòl ayisyen). Vol. 2, #3, janvye 2004.
• “Sa m panse de powèm” (What I think about poetry | Ce que je pense des poèmes | Was ich über
Poesie denke | Ninavyofikiria kuhusu ushairi. [In An Annotated Bibliography on Haitian Creole,
2003, pp. 379. French translation: Jean-Samuel Sahaï-Viranim; German translation: Andrina Soliva;
Swahili translation: Richard Kifutu].
• “Sapoti ou dous” (Sapodilla, you are sweet). [In Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen, 1994, pp. 176; in
Koze lanmou (1995)].
• “Se bon tande! ” (Watch out!). Haïti en Marche, Vol. XV, #23; in JKL (jounal kreyòl ayisyen), jiyè
2002. Vol. 1, #1.
• “Se kreyòl mwen pale” (I speak Creole). Kreyòl Connection. 1997. [In An Annotated Bibliography on
Haitian Creole… (2003, pp. 505)].
• “Se do l mwen wè” (Elle de dos | I see her back, departing). In Voices of the sun (anthology),
Volume I, pp. 122.
• “Si m te, m ta... ” (If I were, I would...). [In Revolution Révolution Revolisyon: Anthology, 2004, edited
by Ella Turenne; in Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen, 1994 (pp. 25-26].
• “Tande kri peyizan yo! ” (Listen to the peasants’ cry). [In An Annotated Bibliography on Haitian
Creole… (2003, pp. 312)].
• “Te kwè nou tout se Ayisyen” (Aren’t all of us Haitians?). In Voices of the sun (anthology), Volume I,
pp. 273-274.
• “The Butios have promised victory”. [English translation of an epic poem by Emmanuel W.
Védrine; original text appeared in Jean Fouchard’s collection Pre-Columbian history of Haiti,
44
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
original text in French. Both texts republished in Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen (1994, pp. 9-10);
in Prisma (literary magazine), University of Massachusetts-Boston, Spring 1990].
• “Trente ans emprisonné” (Thirty years imprisoned). [In An Annotated Bibliography on Haitian Creole,
2003, pp. 575-576)]. In Voices of the sun (anthology), Volume I, pp. 274. • “Yon bouke flè pou fanm
vanyan” (A bunch of flowers for brave women). Bon Nouvèl, mas 2005, #416.
***
E. W. Védrine’s Literary Works have appeared in Anthology of Haitian poets of Massachusetts, Bon Nouvèl,
Boston Haitian Reporter, Educa Vision, CreoList Archives, Haiti 2004, Haïti Courrier, Haitian Creole-English
Bilingual Dictionary (Indiana University), Haitian-English Dictionary (University of Kansas), Haitionline.com,
Haïti en Marche, Haïti Progrès, Haitian-American Souls, Haitian-American Tribune, Haitian-American News,
Haitian Times, Istwa Pwezi Kreyòl Ayiti (anthology and essay), JKA (jounal kreyòl ayisyen), Journal of Pidgin and
Creole, Komè, Kreyòl Connection, Kreyol.org, Le Matin, Le Nouvelliste, Libète, Love and other poems by Haitian
Youth (anthology), MIT2, Orèsjozèf Publications, Revolution Revolisyon Révolution (anthology), The Creole
Connection, Potomitan.info, Prisma (University of Massachusetts-Boston), Soleil des Iles, The Nations Tribune,
Soup To Nuts, SICRAD, Tanbou.com,The Mass Media, Voices of the sun (anthology), Windowsonhaiti.com,
SEDRA ... He lives in Boston (USA).
* * *
“Ayant longtemps vécu dans un milieu où la parole n’est pas tout à fait emprisonnée, Emmanuel W.
Védrine s’est échappé de la poésie codée qu’offrent généralement les poètes d’Haïti pour nous livrer
un message clair, simple, facile. C'est un poète badin qui chante tel un enfant. Sa poésie est toute
45
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
pleine d’adolescence et naïveté. - Védrine nous raconte ses voyages, ses nombreux séjours en
Europe. Pour avoir étudié en Allemagne et en Espagne, il a eu le privilège de découvrir et d'admirer
de beaux sites européens. En été, il parcourt villes et villages, frotte avec de nombreuses cultures.
Il y a beaucoup de raisons
écrit Védrine. Les études donc ne sont pas les seules raisons de ses voyages. Il y a surtout le confort
romantique des lieux tel Salamanca, en Espagne où
où Plaza Mayor le convaince à s’asseoir et à promener dans son enceinte. Vienne parait une ville
particulière pour le poète. Les habitants sont si sympathiques. On les croise dans les rues. Ils vont
vite, certes. Cependant, ils ont le temps de vous saluer et de vous acceuillir.
Védrine est le poète des vacances fleuries. Il chante la beauté d'une nature universelle. Boston,
Vienne, Freiburg et plus particulièrement Salamanca retentissent à travers ses chants. - Haïti n’a pas
fait table rase dans l'univers poétique de Védrine. Au fond de son cour, une large place y est
reservée. Le poète se complaint de la misère du pays, dénonce le système impérialiste-colonialiste, se
révolte contre les bourreaux du peuple.
Certains ‘doctes’ de la poésie auraient tendance à penser que l'écriture de Védrine parait trop
simpliste. On aurait tendance à croire qu'une légèreté se fait sentir de part et d’autre dans les texte.
Haltez-vous!. Védrine sait parfaitement bien ce dont les anglophones ont besoin pour mieux
apprendre et comprendre le créole et le français. S'il a choisi ce langage. C’est pour se faire mieux
comprendre par le public au milieu duquel il vit et pour lequel d'abord il écrit.”. (Jean Armoce Dugé,
www.potomitan.info/duge).
46
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
PROVERBS : PWOVÈB
[Ref. in An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole, 54 entries). Ref. in Gramè Kreyòl Védrine. (section on
“proverbs”, pp. 128, 129, 138, 230). Ref. in Ti istwa kreyòl: Short stories in Haitian Creole. Soup To Nuts.
Cambridge, MA. 1994. 115 p. (section on proverbs, pp. 68-85)].
Kritik ak Rechèch sou Pwovèb Ayisyen: revizyon e edisyon 100 pwovèb ayisyen nan You can
learn Creole, zèv H. Ormonde McConnell ak Eugene Swain Jr. [Critics and Research on
Haitian Proverbs: a review and editing of 100 Haitian proverbs from 'You can learn Creole', by H.
Ormonde McConnell and Eugene Swain Jr. [Book review : Kritik liv].
Pawoli nan yon roman Pauris Jean-Baptiste, 'Peyi Zoulout'. (Ref. in An annotated bibliography on
Haitian Creole).
Recherche sur les 'parolis' et les proverbes haïtiens. [Rechèch sou ‘pawoli’ ak pwovèb ayisyen :
Research on 'parolis /pawoli' and Haitian proverbs].
Fanm ki mouri a (Ref.: ‘Une partie de campagne et autres nouvelles de Guy de Maupassant’, Texte
posté [en ligne] sur la liste 'Potomitan’).
Jipon nwa a (une adaptation de ‘Le pargne noir’, par Bernard Dadié. Ref. in An annotated bibliography
On Haitian Creole (pdf, 45 KB); in Materyèl edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen.
Materyèl edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen. Soup To Nuts Publishers. Cambridge, MA. 1994. 218 p.
(section sur les récits: pp. 104-159, éd. E. W. Védrine).
Depozisyon Ti Jilyen (Haitian Creole version: E. W. Védrine), Nov. 2005. “La déposition de Ti-
Julien” in Bulletin de l’enseignement de la Martinique, numéro spécial, Fort-De-France, 1948.
Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen. Soup To Nuts Publishers. Cambridge, MA. 1994. 218 p.
(section sur les récits (“Bozor, le cambusier: Bòzò chèf kanbiz” par Jules Faine; “Chen pèdi Chat
genyen” par Pauris Jean-Baptiste; “Compère chien et compère Chat : Konpè Chen ak konpè Chat”
par Déita; Malice et le boeuf de Bouki: Malis ak bèf Nonk Bouki par Déita; “Jipon Nwa”
adaptation). pp. 104-159, éd. E. W. Védrine, pdf, 40 kb).
47
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Men l anlè a l ap vini (pdf, 54 KB) : He is in the air coming. ed., Orèsjozèf Publications. 1997. 34
p.
Sezon sechrès Ayiti (1st. ed., 1994. [English translation by the author. (Season of drought in
Haiti)]. • (2nd. ed., JEBCA Editions. 2014 • ISBN 978-0-9908554-2-2 • 224 pages. www.
potomitan.info/vedrine/sezon_sechres.php Interview with the author: “Premye rankon ak
Roosevelt Desronvilles (JEBCA eds.) pou diskite sou woman, Sezon sechrès Ayiti”. Fev. 2015,
Studio Echo Evangelique, Mattapan, MA. (USA)… [ABSTRACT: One of Haiti’s rare historical
novels embracing the problems of Haitian peasants and why they are living Haiti to migrate to the
Dominican Republic, to other places in the Caribbean and Miami. This novel also covers many
other problems that Haiti has been facing. Written in 1992, it was first published in Haitian Creole in
1994. It has been widely used as a textbook in many Haitian Bilingual Programs in the United States,
including some high schools in Haiti. The philosophy and psychology of the characters are about the
same: they all would like to see a beautiful Haiti, one where everyone can work together. They are
victims of the drought, of the crimes going on in the country and o abuses done to them. They are
leaving Haiti for same causes though they like the country but the situation forces them to leave.
Despite of all the crimes and abuses committed to them, they don't ask for anything wrong to
happen to the crimininals, but they would like them give up all that is evil, they would like them to
change so that there can be a real change in the country…
“In Sezon sechrès Ayiti, the author presents a Haiti the way it exists through the eyes of characters.
Sezon sechrès Ayiti is a historical novel written in the Haitian language and one that is written in a
simple language, presented in a historical, political and economical context: what happened in Haiti,
what happened recently, and what continues to happen. The philosophy and psychology of the
people are about the same: they all would like to see a beautiful Haiti, one where everyone can work
together. They are victims of the drought, of the crimes going on in the country and o abuses done
to them. They are leaving Haiti for same causes though they like the country but the situation forces
them to leave. Despite of all the crimes and abuses committed to them, they don't ask for anything
wrong to happen to the crimininals, but they would like them give up all that is evil, they would like
them to change so that there can be a real change in the country”].
Ti istwa kreyòl: Short stories in Haitian Creole. Soup To Nuts. Cambridge, MA. 1994.
[Réimpression chez les Eds. Educa Vision. Cited in Haitian – English Dictionary. 5th. ed. Vol.1. 2004.
Kansas University]. SEVEN SHORT STORIES IN CREOLE: (1) “Yo kenbe Bouki andedan vant
yon bèf” (They catch Bouki inside a cow). (2) “Konpè Chat ap dirije yon lekòl” (Comrade Cat is a
school’s principal). (3) “Yon chat de pye ak yon enkoutab” (A two-feet cat and and a stubborn
person). (4) “Chanje lide” (Changing one’s mind). (5) “Yon manman poul touye yon malfini” (A hen
kills a hawk). (6) “Elefan prezide yon konferans sou pwoblèm bèt sovay t ap konfwonte” (Elephant
presided over a conference on the problems wild animals were facing). (7) “Gade yon mirak” (Look!
A miracle!]) -- with questions and exercises on each story, including a Haitian proverbs section (on
“animals”) and a “Creole-English glossary”. Illustrated by the author. A textbook for middle and
high school level, for native speakers and learners of Haitian Creole. ––
48
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
The purpose of this book is to allow greater access to those interested in Kreyòl and English. As a
guide for speakers of both languages, it can be used for different purposes. –– Following each story
is a list of questions, vocabularies and expressions for exercises. There is also a section on illustrated
Haitian proverbs dealing with animals, and finally a Kreyòl. –– English glossary that can be useful to
English speakers. I hope that Ti istwa kreyòl: Short stories in Haitian Creole will be a good guide to
anyone using it.
Vanjans Konpè Chat (édition créole | Haitian Creole edition: Emmanuel W. Védrine, Oct. 2005).
SOCIOLINGUISTICS : SOSYOLENGWISTIK.
(Ref. in An annotated bibliography On Haitian Creole, 116 entries)
Èske se kreyòl la k ap maltrete fanm ayisyèn oubyen kèk Ayisyen k ap maltrete yo? Kreyòl
Connection, 1998. (Ref. in An annotated bibliography on Haitian Creole) : Is it Creole that is mistreating
some Haitian women or some Haitian men who are mistreating them?].
49
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
[“Védrine ... I find an inspiration that is varied and fertile in your works and loyal to cultural and
social reality. I am specially impressed by the level you reach in considering language in different
aspects of Haitian life: education, development, reflection. Your suggestions on Creole deserve to be
included in the curriculum of all important discussions dealing with the subject. The great advantage
found in your analysis is when you pose the problem and you force an interested mind to make
decisions and search and balance the pros and cons of the issue. Your works have helped many
people at different levels including myself.” –– Charlot Lucien, Editor-in-chief of Bulletin Commercial
Du Massachusetts.
"Emmanuel Védrine's research into Haitian Creole testifies that the Creole genius is not only alive,
but that it will survive mondialization and continue to blossom well beyond the Creole world. His
persistent effort to compose a repertoire of our immense cultural and linguistic wealth is a
resonating call that joins the concert to safeguard mankind's linguistic heritage. We must work to the
max if we really want to move on and help each other in every sense. Success requires sacrifice. We
alone are not the ones who are going to benefit from our hard work, but rather the generations to
come, as well as the whole world.” –– Jean-S. Sahaï, Guadeloupe, Agreg Page.
“Emmanuel Védrine came to us as a 'gift from God'... He not only spoke French and Spanish, but
also spoke Creole and Italian.... Since we had a large population of minority students who speak
Spanish, French, and Creole (his native language), he was a wonderful role model for our 85%
minority population, being able to handle very well a very emotional classroom of students.... I was
delighted to bring him on board.... He was always prepared to teach, and he had an excellent
background in his discipline (language)...” –– Sister Maria Jude, CSJ, Former Principal of St.
Gregory's High School, Boston.
“Emmanuel Védrine is a colleague who pays tribute to the country. In testimony of admiration for
all of his important works on Haiti and for Haiti.” –– Dr. Claudine Michel, Dept. of Black Studies,
University of California-Santa Barbara.
“We would like to congratulate Védrine. He is a writer who is making our language known to others,
giving it a boost, as well as more dignity and respect. He is someone who is making it known that
this language is a language like any other.” –– Eddy Le Phare, Host of 'Lèt ak Kilti' (Haitian radio
network, Boston).
50
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Emmanuel Védrine is a poet, an educator, who is pioneering a work for the development and
academic promotion of the Creole language and culture. Védrine writes many theses and poems
with reflection on Creole language issues.” –– Tontongi, Poet, essayist and editor-in-chief of Tanbou
(literary magazine, Boston).
“Védrine’s strongest qualities are his intellect, his linguistic abilities which are superb, and his moral
character. He is a poet, a writer who has contributed tremendously by developing materials in
Haitian Creole that are geared to helping Haitians. Previously a teacher, he was knowledgeable in his
subject area, used creative approaches, and above all he was able to motivate his students. In
addition to his classroom duties, he also helped supervise extra-curricular activities and multicultural
events.” –– Joel Theodat, Bilingual Dept. Head, Housemaster (Boston Public Schools).
“Emmanuel Védrine assisted with the development of the Pimsleur course ‘Speak and Read
Essential Haitian Creole’. His contributions included offering advice on grammar, spelling and
usage. Védrine was a valuable member of the development team. His comments and opinions
provide us with an in-depth look at Haitian language and culture.” –– Mary E. Green, Development
Editor (Simon & Schuster; Pimsleur Language Training).
“Emmanuel Védrine is one of the pillars of The Creole Movement.” –– Max Manigat (Haitian
Books Center, New York).
“I am impressed with Emmanuel Védrine’s motivation for the development of Haitian Creole as a
language that can be standardized and adapted to serve all the functions of its speakers and, in
particular, members of the American Diaspora who require medical, social, and educational services
in the language. Given the limited resources at his disposal, the linguistic tools Védrine has produced
are noteworthy, in particular, his Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs With Phrases And Idioms. It is a very
useful resource for linguists, translators, and learners of the language. With regard to its originality
and overall quality, I would rank it as the best work on the vocabulary of the language and right next
to Freeman and Laguerre's Haitian-English Dictionary and our own somewhat dated Haitian Creole -
English - French Dictionary. The high quality of the work is reflected by its having been deemed worthy
of review in the prestigious Journal of Pidgin and Creole Languages. He is also a prolific author of literary
and educational materials in Haitian Creole. He would be an invaluable collaborator to any project
involving the description of Haitian Creole and the preparation of various linguistic tools for the
language.” –– Dr Albert Valdman, Rudy Professor of French, Italian and Linguistics Indiana
University-Bloomington.
51
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Védrine has a very solid educational background, an excellent knowledge of the Spanish, French,
and Creole cultures.” –– Dr Ricardo Navas-Ruiz, Professor of Spanish, University of Massachusetts-
Boston.
“Fellow countryman Paul Laraque prophesied long ago that a new era would probably come in
Haitian literature when it would be done by writers who not only learn how to speak, but also how
to write in Creole’ (Haïti Progrès, March 25 - 31, 1987). Emmanuel W. Védrine is a multi-talented
writer and researcher. Linguist, founder and editor-in-chief of the “E. W. Védrine Creole Project”,
up to present, he has already explored almost all facets of the Creole language. His works are a
testimony.” –– Kesler Brezault, Poet, novelist & editor-in-chief of 'Edisyon Lagomatik' (Montreal).
“Emmanuel W. Védrine shows our people to be the descendants of an inventive, bodacious and
courageous People. His poetry reflects the appreciation that he carries for his homeland and, most
of all, relishes the pleasure of the soul. Védrine is a poet who writes and speaks his mind... as far as I
can tell, practically always. He follows his own road, believes in his own dreams, which are deeply
rooted in the Haitian dream. He refuses to separate himself from the 'common Haitian’.” –– Tony
Jean-Jacques, educator, poet (Boston Public Schools).
“'Windows on Haiti’ is very pleased to welcome Emmanuel W. Védrine and the foundation of his
monumental compilation of materials related to research on Haiti. Though it’s entitled ‘A Short
Bibliography Of Dissertations Related To Haiti', it is likely the most extensive one compiled today
on the Internet. For the time being, it will be available on the Net exclusively on ‘Windows on
Haiti'’. With no doubt, this copyrighted research will grow into an indispensable tool for research on
Haiti. As Védrine so eloquently puts it: 'Tout sa n ap fè pou Ayiti Cheri, nou dwe fè l tèt kale!’. I do
subscribe to this philosophy, and I thank Védrine for formulating it.” –– Guy Antoine, Webmaster
Windows On Haiti.
“Emmanuel W. Védrine is one of the most prolific young creolists I know; he seems to have a
vision and a plan and is one of the best-known in the field because of his formation and passion.” –
– Dr Emilio Bazile, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa University (Ontario, Canada).
“This [‘Védrine Archive’] site is a special one because it represents most of Emmanuel Védrine's
contributions to the Creole Forum. Védrine is a writer and researcher who is investigating
everything related to the Creole language. In this way, it would be difficult for us to find another
person who is more passionate about the native language and who is working so hard for its
advancement in educational and literary areas.” –– REKA (Rezo Entènèt Kreyolis Ayisyen ).
52
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“The year 2000 marks the 10th anniversary that Haitian linguist Emmanuel W. Védrine has been
conducting linguistic research and publishing documents on the Kreyòl language. Among these
include articles, books, comments, interviews and theses completed over this period of 120 months.
In all, Védrine has published more than 300 titles ... The research of this Haitian linguist, who left
for the United States when he was young, touches on different aspects of the Kreyòl language and
culture. Teaching Kreyòl, Kreyòl in the media, literature, literacy are among the many subjects that
Védrine has dealt with during this period of time in his career as a researcher. In order to get to
know him and know his thoughts on Creole issues, we asked him a few questions. In his replies, he
also asked questions back such as ‘Does the Haitian State have an interest in the ‘dissemination of
the Kreyòl language throughout schools in Haiti’ and at all levels in order to continue its
development?’ ... Védrine asked many other questions ‘that deserve much thought’, as he said.” ––
Gotson Pierre, journalist at SICRAD.
“... Emmanuel Védrine is one of the most prolific writers, editors and publishers of Haitian Creole
texts. One of his ongoing goals is to provide Haitian Creole dictionaries, grammars and abundant
texts for bilingual education teachers. He is a particularly gifted poet ... Védrine is one of the most
focussed, practical, and hard-working person I know ...” –– Marilyn Mason, MIT2 (Boston).
“The Haitian-American Society and The Negritude Society recognize Emmanuel W. Védrine for his
outstanding research on Haitian Creole, particularly his An Annotated Bibliography On Haitian Creole: A
review of publications from colonial times to 2000” –– The Haitian-American Society and The Negritude
Society, University of Massachusetts-Boston.
“Dear Védrine, I have on many occasions benefited from consulting the Haitian bibliography you
have compiled and published on the internet. Allow me to express my gratitude.” –– Gerard A.
Ferere, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Saint Joseph's University.
“Emmanuel W. Védrine has done extraordinary work under the most constraint conditions. As
teacher, researcher, scholar, he made a pivotal choice some ten years: he quit teaching to focus his
talents, his passions and his knowledge on research writing, essays, and creative writing. During a
ten-year period, Védrine started a remarkable self-publishing venture that produced volumes of
dictionaries, essays, grammar, bibliographies, poetry, and other works of fiction such as short stories
and novels in and on Creole. His recent 700 page bibliography on Haitian Creole was published in
October, 2003 by Educa Vision.
Védrine original and sustained bibliographical research on the Creole Language is the first and most
extensive work ever published in the world. Secondary to his major research, is the fine strategies
53
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
that Vedrine has employed to make sure that his work reaches a larger and more popular audience
through the advantage of the internet. Védrine is the first Creolophone writer to publish summaries
of his complete works on-line; he is also the first to make tons of materials related to Haiti and
Haitian Creole available on-line to Haitian teachers, students, learners of Haitian Creole, scholars
and researchers. I doubt that the Haitian community in Boston is aware of his tremendous sacrifice,
passion and dedication to Creole Studies.” –– Nekita Lamour, Teacher & Essayist Cambridge Public
Schools, Massachusetts (USA).
“ ... An extensive bibliography of writings on Haiti 's language situation, maintained by the amazingly
industrious Emmanuel Védrine, a one-man Creole Project who wrote them all himself:. Luckily,
Védrine also frequently posts lists of works by other people on and in Haitian Creole (and there
appear to be nearly as many works on the subject by other authors as there are by him) on the
Creolist... Every Creole should have such a champion ... ” –– Peter L. Patrick, Dept. of Language &
Linguistics University of Essex, Colchester, UK (Webmaster, Links to Resources in my Areas of Interests).
“Theses & Dissertations Related To Haiti (20th Century) ... What a treasure trove!” –– Tim White.
“Védrine… I would like to thank you for your generous compilation of dissertations related to Haiti
. I am in the middle of preparing my dissertation proposal to be submitted to Nova Southeastern
University and your references have been a big help in putting it together.” –– Manes Pierre.
“I am greatly interested in Creole language. In late October (2004) I began compiling a bibliography
of works in and about Cape Verdean Creole... I was delightfully surprised when I did an online
search for ‘Creole bibliography’ and your book, An Annotated Bibliography on Haitian Creole, came up. I
was very impressed (3,019 entries!). I began reading some materials online about your research. You
are certainly a very prolific writer. I decided that I’m going to order your book for further
inspiration. I’ve been thinking about creating synopses/literary critiques for Cape Verdean Creole
literature as there doesn’t seem to be much on the subject online or in print. I would also like to
know more about the ‘E. W. Védrine Creole Project, Inc’. What is it and why did you start it?” ––
Gil Pires.
“Greeting Mr. Védrine... I checked in to the massive amount of information you now have on your
websites. Excellent service, thank you!” –– Prof. Legrace Benson.
54
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Mr. Védrine, thanks so much for letting me forward your beginning Creole lessons to the other
Yahoo group of adoptive parents learning the language. Bin Bareto, a woman who runs a
guesthouse in Port au Prince is on our list and would like to take your phrases and have her
daughters make mp3 audios of them for the parents, but wanted your permission to post them in
the files of our Yahoo group so parents could download them and listen. I told her it should be ok
since you don't have a copyright on phrases, :-) as long as she credited you for the printed lessons.
She would also like to link your site to hers if you have a website that she could link to. Her website
is for her book is Kreyolforparents.com.” –– Heidi Hales.
“Dear Mr. Védrine: I recently came across your site, and found it very interesting, and
comprehensive. Thank you for putting all that together...” –– Brian Concannon Jr., Institute for
Justice & Democracy in Haiti.
“I was checking out my newly downloaded Adobe Reader 7.0. One of the files I had saved was your
Intro to Haitian Kreyòl. It’s the first time I really looked at it at any length. Great stuff. I especially
liked the practice phrases at the end as I am always looking for ways to practice.” –– Don Rowley.
“…Emmanuel W. Védrine, prolific Haitian researcher, linguist and poet living in Boston, has helped
me producing a very rich section dedicated to the Haitian Creole Culture which is in rapid
development…” –– Francesca Palli, Webmaster www.Potomitan.info
“Dear Emmanuel Vedrine, Thank you very much for translating the Somerville Human Rights
Commission Community Survey. The survey will be used to learn from citizens in the community
about ways that the commission can better serve Somerville. Your assistance is much appreciated
and we especially appreciate your generosity in donating your services for the benefit of the
Somerville community.” –– Kevin P. O'Malley, Chairman, Somerville Humand Rights Commission.
“Your website is amazing. I have to take time to go through all that info. I never knew so much was
compiled on Haiti, and in Kreyòl too.” –– Asha Jendayi.
“Védrine, congratulations to you and all the people that assisted you in preparing this site. I
recommended this site to a friend in Canada who was in search of some proverbs; this was the
perfect site for him. He is so happy and does not know on which foot to dance” –– An internet
user.
55
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Dear Mr. Védrine, this is a goldmine... I have been reading your very interesting and instructional
postings and have visited your website You are doing a great job educating Haitians and Americans
of Haitian descent on the Internet. The fact that you compartmentalize politics, academia and social
issues is commendable. That indicates that there may be still hope for future generations… I hope
they take advantage of these opportunities... Concentrating in my roots and with your publications,
relearning Creole has been fun.” –– Danielle F. Benjamin.
“Védrine… Oh my gosh! Your website is prodigious! I will have to take some time and look
through it…” –– (Grete Viddal).
“Védrine, when I look at your work, I see that you are a scholar. The path you have gone through
not everyone can do it.” –– Carl E. Thelemaque, MPA.
Dear E. W. Védrine: Through your works, I have come to know you as one of the greatest Haitian
scholars, writers and poets. You are an epistemologist. I think you can help Haiti in the domain of
education. Haiti needs intellectuals like you. You could be the Minister of National Education. ––
Samuel Romelus, Student in Agronomy (Drexel University).
“Dear Védrine, we know that you’ve been working a long time on the Kreyol language. Thanks to
researchers like you that made us able to publish Gramè Kreyòl, Vol. I (2003). There remain a lot of
work to be done, but we are moving alone. Thank you again for this type of encouragement!” ––
Joseph-Sauveur Joseph, Ph.D.
“Védrine… it was a pleasure to browse your site. It is a prodigious work. I hope its treasures can
find their way into Haiti's rural schoolrooms so the children may be enriched through your labor... I
believe your work in developing the Haitian Kreyol anthology is an important contribution both to
universal scholarly knowledge and the promotion of Haitian literacy and culture. Your work needs
and deserves the widest possible distribution in the multicultural studies portion of American
academia... ” –– Bob Walton.
“Védrine, I am so happy with the body of work you’ve done that I take my hat off to you and bow
before your feet... Also, it’s the most important work that should be recognized by and done for our
56
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
country. They do better in giving big speeches copied from famous books than working for the
betterment of Haiti.” –– Erold Saint Louis.
“Hat off Védrine! I appreciate the works you’ve been doing on Haitian Creole. I am always happy to
read your publications.” –– Marky Jean-Pierre.
“… Védrine ... One of the great family of Haitian writers” –– Joanne Hyppolite, author of Seth and
Samona.
“Dear Védrine, hat off for the great work you’ve been doing in defending the Dessalines’ language.”
–– Cherubin P. Dorcil, Lavwa d Lamerik.
“... And, after browsing your website for only a few minutes I decided to get in touch with you for at
least express my profound respect and to thank you for what you have been accomplished for
the promotion of the Kreyol language.” –– Patrick Morisseau.
“I think you’ve done a lot for the great public who does not yet know about all your works … I wish
you luck and mostly, courage” –– Frantz Jean Baptiste.
“Hi Védrine, congratulations for your works on bibliographies related to the Creole language” ––
Jean-Claude Bajeux.
“Védrine, you are one of the two Haitians that I’ve approached and who encouraged me to learn to
write Kreyol about five years ago, in 2002. I thank you today that I can write in Morisseau’s
57
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
language. Even Morisseau himself who was a friend of mine did not encourage a lot the same way
you did” –– Carl Fombrun.
“Védrine, as a Haitian who is working for the advancement of the Creole language... you have a lot
of courage. Continue spreading ideas in Creole”. –– Duquela Colas.
“Hello Vedrine, thank you for the Haitian Creole materials! We appreciate your help and support
with the Haitian program” (Kara Pesola) –– Program Coordinator -- Department of Foreign
Languages, The Boston Language Institute.
“Dear E. W. Védrine, thank you so much for your donation of books by you in Creole for our
Library and our adult Learning Center in Fond des Blancs. We are most happy to receive them and
will most assuredly put them to good use” –– (Rita Russo), Vice President of Programs - St.
Boniface Haiti Foundation.
“… Védrine, you have been doing substantial writings which are very impressive and practical.” ––
Mirlande Butler, MSW – Eritaj Foundation).
“Védrine ... Congratulations for the great job you are doing, defending the Creole language and your
contribution to help Haiti moving forward …” –– Moise Dorcé.
“Védrine... I learned of your work through Bob Corbett’s web site. I have studied your ‘Haitian
books & Kreyol connection ... I appreciate the quality and quantity of work you have accomplished
to further the advancement of Kreyol literature.” –– Bill Davis.
“Mr Védrine … As a Jamaican and native speaker of Jamaican Creole, I greatly appreciate your
eminent contribution to language, literature, and Creole studies over the years. If it were not for
stalwarts like you who have paved the way, I would not be able to embark upon the whole matter of
Creole studies to which I now wish to devote the rest of my academic career. Your industry is
impressive and encouraging! …” –– Courtney Parkins Ferrón, doctoral candidate - Université Rovira
i Virgili, Tarragone (Espagne)
58
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Dear Mr. Védrine … My name is Irina and I came over your name as I was researching the
opportunity to learn Creole (Haitian Creole). First of all, I am so impressed by all of your
accomplishments … I am so proud of you as I am a big admirer and supporter of the Haitian
heritage, people and culture … ” –– Irina
“Védrine… your work is important and by your efforts you are making a difference! Bravo!” ––
Barbi Reed
“While doing an online research on Haitian Creole, I bumped into the speech of the elected
American president, Barack Obama, translated into Creole. I take advantage of this short time to
congratulate you. I like it. I appreciate it a lot. Each time we write in Creole, we help developing the
Haitian culture more. Thank you again for the good work! Hold on tight. With people like you,
Creole won’t die out.” –– Odson Pierre-Louis
“Many thanks to E. W. Védrine Publications for developing this Kreyol Without Toil: an introductory
course and making it available to all. Knowing even a few phrases of a person's language is absolutely
essential to building relationships. And once you get started, you inevitably learn more and more!... I
urge everyone who knows any Creole-speaking person -- in Haiti or elsewhere -- to take a look at
this. It's well organized and makes it very easy to learn even-a-few essential phrases. Mèsi anpil, ––
Ruth Anne Olson
“E. W. Védrine … Only one Haitian online who opens my eyes, and who enriches my knowledge
on a bunch of things. He is not selfish. He is very flexible to share any subject with me. I
congratulate you for that. I’m not doing any flattery, but you’ve proven that. You deserve a price
that only God can offer you for these great works you’ve been doing for Haiti. Hang on there to do
more!” –– Jean Hebert Bellefleur, Batjda-Haiti Organization.
“Hello E. W. Védrine! Hat off to greet you with honor and respect… I am an interpreter and
translator. I’ve translated many books in Creole. I sometimes teach Creole courses to foreigners also.
I read many articles and books that you’ve written on the Creole language; they are always very
interesting and very helpful…” –– Blanc Jesula
“Dear fellow Caribbean linguist, Védrine. Greetings! Over the years I have been impressed by your
prolific and energetic research on Haitian language and culture.” –– Vincent O. Cooper, PhD is in
linguistics and Romance languages from Princeton University.
59
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
“Mr E. Védrine, greetings! Hat off to greet you. The effort you’ve been making for the advancement
of my country’s national language, where all citizen speaks Creole, pleases me a lot. This work is very
important, mostly when seeing institutions that the constitution asks to be founded in the country
have not done so yet… But I dare say you are not alone in this work. So, even if I am not a linguist,
I think about the issue…” –– Robès Pierre, Development agent.
“Dear Mr. Védrine, I am grateful to you for providing a way for me to learn about Haiti and its
people. Thank you for sharing your work…” –– Toni McNulty.
“Dear Védrine … I'd like also to say thanks to you for taking the initiative to make my books known
to our brothers and sisters. I think your rewards will be great since the goal of writing these books
have been to cry out for calling upon each Haitian to accept the challenge of workng for a better
country…” –– Dr Jean Archer, author of The role of Agriculture in the economic development of Haiti
“Hello Védrine! What a great collection of Kreyòl materials! -- Just wanted to write to express my
admiration for your initiative” –– Deborah Jenson, Professor of French /Co-Director, FHI Haiti
Lab at Duke University.]
By Martine Louis, Boston Haitian Reporter, Vol. 6, Issue 9. Sept. 2007, Reporter Staff. [Successful
language scholar Emmanuel W. Védrine has dedicated the past 15 years to publishing a variety of
books from dictionaries to essays, anthologies… that address numerous aspects of the Haitian
culture. An experienced translator and successful teacher, Védrine has committed himself, in
particular, to giving Haitians and non-Haitians alike better access to the Creole language.
While teaching in Massachusetts, Védrine discovered that many of his Haitian students were falling
behind academically and noted that learning material in their native language would improve the
quality of their education. In 1992, he published his first Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs with phrases
and idioms.
“I wanted to do something that combined my experiences as a translator and as a teacher to help the
Haitian community”, said Védrine. “The ability to speak another language other than your native
tongue not only allows you more opportunities, but you are also able to communicate with millions
of people. You can better enjoy a culture when you can express yourself in its language.”
60
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
Védrine says he aspires to reach out to the younger Haitian generation with his work and inspire
them to understand and take pride in their roots. ‘I want children to comprehend that though they
may have been brought up in America, Haiti is still a part of them,’ he says. ‘Many of them do not
know their history therefore they are ashamed of their culture. But with my work I hope to make
them proud of what their Haitian ancestors have accomplished. We have a glamorous history and
there are many Haitian heroes, but today’s generation of Haitian-Americans do not know of their
ancestors contributions.”
With publications such as Materyèl edikatif pou bileng ayisyen and Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm lekòl
Ayiti… which offer essays, short stories, and discussions on the lack of adequate education in Haiti,
Védrine also hopes to make an impact on the older generation of the Haitian community.
“We come from a time that has taught us to hate ourselves and what we own. We have been taught
to leave our country behind and move on to a ‘better’ place. This is why Haiti is consistently
suffering crisis after crisis. We need a ‘new school.’ One that will teach us to be proud of our roots,”
said Védrine.
“Then there are Haitians that are too proud to learn another language. They make it an issue of
double-nationality. But it is not a matter of trading your native roots for the American system,” he
says. “It is about further educating yourself. There are Haitians who feel they are too old and it is
too late, but the energy to make a difference is already within us. The problem is we do not use it.”
Védrine believes educating parents is essential to raising good leaders because what they know they
will pass it down to their children. In order to prepare a positive young generation to take over.
Védrine says they must first learn all aspects of their own heritage.
“Parents need to work harder at being role models for their children. Our generations are
disconnected and we need to learn how to unite,” he advises. “From each other is where we draw
our strength. That is what I hope to teach society with my work. That language builds that bridge
connecting generations and connecting cultures.”
In Védrine’s latest book, A healing paradigm for a new Haiti, he introduces his campaign to improve
the school system and curriculum in Haiti. “I want to promote the importance of Fridays as a day
for ‘practical education, “Védrine explains. “A day to educate students outside of books and beyond
the classroom. Offer them hands on learning experiences, tools they can use and they can give back
to the country.”
Védrine says his own struggle with transitioning from one culture to another after he left Haiti in
1976 motivated him to continue with his work. “When I got here it was such a culture shock… I
was unable to communicate. In order to be more involved in society I had to overcome those
obstacles. I taught myself English, and then I learned Spanish.”
“The difference in how people interacted with me then was unbelievable,” says Védrine. “I wanted
to do the same for others facing similar difficulties. When I first began working and writing, I was
61
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
told that there was no market in Creole. I was asked ‘why do it if no one was going to read it?’
“Surprisingly those comments came mostly from the Haitian community. But my work has never
been about marketing. I want to do something to help Haiti – money does not come first. Knowing
that thousands benefit from my work makes me happy. Forget about the market, I just want to do
something that will change lives.” …]
62
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
AUTOBIOGRAPHY : OTOBIYOGRAFI
Certified Teacher (French, Spanish Gr. 7- Pwofesè Lisansye (Fransè, Espayòl, Gr. 7-
12 in Massachusetts, USA). Former 12 nan eta Massachusetts, USA). Ansyen
Lecturer at University of Rhode Island- Konferansye nan University of Rhode
Kingston, Spanish Dept; Indiana Island Kingston, Spanish Dept; Indiana
University (Bloomington Campus), Dept. University (Bloomington Campus), Dept.
of French-Italian; Boston Language of French-Italian (FRIT); Boston
Institute; and teacher of French and Language Institute; e ansyen pwofesè
Spanish at St. Gregory High School fransè /espayòl nan St. Gregory High
(Boston, Massachusetts). School (Boston, Massachusetts).
Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs With Dictionary of Haitian Creole Verbs With
Phrases And Idioms (1992), Un stylo Phrases And Idioms (1992), Un stylo
international (poetry, 1993), Di yon vèb, tire international (pwezi, 1993), Di yon vèb, tire
yon kont (riddles, 1994), Ide pou kreye yon yon kont (devinèt, 1994), Ide pou kreye yon
High School Ayisyen prive nan Boston (debate, High School Ayisyen prive nan Boston (deba,
1994), Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen 1994), Materyèl Edikatif pou Bileng Ayisyen
(essays, poetry, 1994), Poetry in Haitian (esè, pwezi, 1994), Poetry in Haitian Creole
Creole (1994), Ti istwa kreyòl: Short stories in (pwezi, 1994), Ti istwa kreyòl: Short stories in
Haitian Creole (1994), Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm Haitian Creole (1994), Yon koudèy sou pwoblèm
63
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
lekòl Ayiti (essays, 1994), Koze lanmou I lekòl Ayiti (esè, 1994), Koze lanmou I (pwezi,
(poetry, 1995; Vol. II, 2009), 1995; Vol. II, 2009),
Sezon sechrès Ayiti (novel, 1994, 2nd. ed. Sezon sechrès Ayiti (woman, 1994), Petit
2014), Petit lexique du créole haitien (1995), 23 lexique du créole haïtien (1995), 23 Poème en
Poème en français et en haïtien (poetry, 1995), français et en haïtien (1995), Dis powèm sou
Dis powèm sou lanati (poetry, 1996), Gramè lanati (1996), Gramè Kreyòl Védrine (1996),
Kreyòl Védrine (grammar, 1996), Men l anlè a Men l anlè a l ap vini (resi, 1997), 100 Kesyon
l ap vini (short story, 1997), 100 Kesyon ak ak respons pou Ekzamen Sitwayènte Amerikèn
respons pou Ekzamen Sitwayènte Amerikèn (sivik, 1998),
(civics, 1998),
An Annotated Bibliography On Haitian Creole: An Annotated Bibliography On Haitian Creole:
A review of publications from colonial times to A review of publications from colonial times to
2000 (2003), A bibliography of theses and 2000 (bibliographie, 2003), A bibliography of
dissertations related to the Dominican Republic theses and dissertations related to the Dominican
(co-edited, 2005), Premye etap ak yon òdinatè Republic (ko-edite, 2005), Premye etap ak yon
(co-edited, 2007), Haitian Creole – English òdinatè (ko-edite, 2007), Haitian Creole –
Dictionary (co-edited, 2007, Indiana English Dictionary (ko-edite, 2007, Indiana
University), Kreyòl without toil : an introduction University), Kreyòl without toil : an introduction
to Haitian Creole (2010), and many articles. to Haitian Creole (2010), ak plizyè plizyè
atik.
Former animator of the radio talk-show Ansyen animatè talk-show radyo, “Chache
“Chache Konnen ak Védrine” (Boston, Konnen ak Védrine” (Boston, 1996-97,
1996-97, Radio Haiti Diaspo-Inter), radio Radio Haiti Diaspo-Inter), pwogram
program based on research and literary radyofonik baze sou rechèch ak kritik
criticism. Research interest: Bilingual literè). Enterè nan rechèch: Edikasyon
Education, Development of teaching Bileng, Devlopman materyèl didaktik,
materials, Linguistics (French, hispanic and Lengwistik (fransè, ispanik, kreyòl), ak
creole), and Literature (francophone, Literati (frankofòn, ispanik e kreyòl).
hispanic and creole).
His literary works have appeared in: Zèv literè l yo parèt nan: Anthology of
Anthology of Haitian poets of Massachusetts, Bon Haitian poets of Massachusetts, Bon Nouvèl,
Nouvèl, Boston Haitian Reporter, Educa Vision, Boston Haitian Reporter, Educa Vision,
CreoList Archives, Haiti 2004, Haïti Courrier, CreoList Archives, Haiti 2004, Haïti Courrier,
Haitian Creole-English Bilingual Dictionary Haitian Creole-English Bilingual Dictionary
(Indiana University), Haitian-English
64
E. W. Védrine Twenty years of research and publications on Haiti and Haitian Creole
65