After struggling to understand Mervyn’s accent for a long time, I recently found out why. Trinidadian English was co-developed by Chinese immigrants.

The Trinidad & Tobago Government has named October 12 to be a public holiday in commemoration of 200 yrs of Chinese arrival in Trinidad. It has been recommended that every citizen learn some Chinese words in support of the Chinese community. Here is a helpful start. To perfect the accent, be sure to read aloud.

English
Chinese

That’s not right
Sum Ting Wong

Are you harboring a fugitive?
Hu Yu Hai Ding

See me ASAP
Kum Hia Nao

Small Horse
Tai Ni Po Ni

Did you go to the beach?
Wai Yu So Tan

I think you need a face lift
Chin Tu Fat

It’s very dark in here
Wai So Dim

I thought you were on a diet
Wai Yu Mun Ching

This is a tow away zone
No Pah King

Our meeting is scheduled for next week
Wai Yu Kum Nao

Staying out of sight
Lei Ying Lo

He’s cleaning his automobile
Wa Shing Ka

Your body odor is offensive
Yu Stin Ki