WILLEMSTAD – The organization Era Nobo has submitted a petition to the Curaçao Parliament calling for the adoption of a single, legally established standard for the Papiamentu language. The group argues that, despite Papiamentu's status as an official language, Curaçao still lacks a uniform language code for use in government, education, the judiciary and the media.
The petition was presented on Monday by Hugh Lopes, Romeo Tuur and Grace Marcos. They noted that Curaçao officially adopted a phonological spelling system by national decree in 1976 and that Papiamentu has since become an official language of both Curaçao and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
According to Era Nobo, however, official recognition has not resulted in complete standardization. The organization says multiple dictionaries, grammar books and language references are currently in use, but no single official standard exists for spelling, grammar or formal language usage.
Era Nobo believes the absence of a unified standard has created inconsistencies, particularly within the education system, where different versions of the language are being taught. The organization argues that this has led to confusion and division, limiting the practical impact of efforts to make Papiamentu a language of instruction in schools.
To address the issue, the group is urging Parliament to draft legislation establishing an official standardized Papiamentu language code. It proposes creating a national commission composed of linguists, writers, certified teachers and other language experts to develop the standard. Era Nobo also suggests playing a supervisory role in overseeing the commission's work.
In addition, the organization is calling for the introduction of language courses and educational materials for residents, newcomers and public institutions, along with dedicated funding for ongoing research, development and modernization of the language.
Era Nobo emphasized that adopting an official standard would not restrict the creative freedom of writers or the various spoken forms of Papiamentu used throughout the island. Instead, it says the standard would apply only to formal and official contexts, providing consistency while strengthening the language's role in public life.
According to the organization, a unified language standard would further protect Curaçao's cultural identity and reinforce the position of Papiamentu as one of the country's most important national assets.