WILLEMSTAD – The University of Curaçao has launched a project to develop a Dutch–Papiamentu legal dictionary aimed at providing clear and consistent translations for legal terminology. The initiative addresses the current lack of standardized legal terms in Papiamentu, which can often lead to confusion or misinterpretation in professional and governmental communication. 

Project leader Ronald Severing emphasized that inconsistencies in legal language can cause significant misunderstandings and even legal harm. “Accurate legal terminology is vital for the functioning of justice and governance,” Severing said. 

The dictionary is being developed with the support of the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and is intended for use by legal professionals, government officials, civil servants, and the broader public. Its main goal is to enhance the reliability and clarity of professional and legal communication in Curaçao. 

The first edition of the dictionary is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In addition, the project includes plans to translate key legal documents into official Papiamentu, starting with the 2010 Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

This initiative marks an important step in strengthening the use of Papiamentu in legal and administrative contexts, reinforcing the language's role in Curaçao's justice system and governance.