Saramaccan
/ˌsærəˈmækən/noun
Relating to the Saramaccan people or their creole language of Suriname and French Guiana.
Did you know?Saramaccan developed among communities of formerly enslaved Africans who established independent settlements in Suriname’s interior, preserving vocabulary from several West and Central African languages alongside English, Portuguese, and Dutch influences.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-colonial origin
Unknown/Indigenous
Saramaka / Saamaka
“The self-designation associated with the Saramaka people; the deeper origin of the name is uncertain.”
17th Century
Saramaka
Saramaka
“Name used for the Maroon community that formed in the Suriname interior after escaped Africans established autonomous settlements.”
17th–18th Century
Dutch
Saramacca
“Colonial Dutch form used for the Saramacca River and surrounding region in Suriname.”
18th–19th Century
English
Saramaccan
“English adjective and noun referring to the people, language, or region associated with Saramaka communities.”
Modern English
English
Saramaccan
“Relating to the Saramaka people or denoting their Atlantic-Creole language.”
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