We can’t wait to have your join our community here at the Kreyòl Institute. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions! If you don’t see your question answered here, you can call or text 347 815 3404 to find out more.
Q: How fluent will I be after taking classes at the Kreyòl Institute?
A: This will all depend on what kind of student you are. We make sure to provide you with a full range of resources that will help you set yourself up for successfully learning Haitian Creole. However, the amount of time you are able to dedicate outside of class time greatly impact how you learn and what you retain of what you learn.
Q: I already have some knowledge of French. Will this help me with learning Haitian Creole?
A: While over 90% of Haitian Creole vocabulary does come from French, remember that we are talking about 17th and 18th century French. Many of these French words have changed meaning over time in Haitian Creole. Additionally, Haitian Creole has a completely different grammatical system from French. Oftentimes, students who have some knowledge of French find that this helps them with vocabulary but that is the extent to which it goes. Ultimately, this will depend on what kind of language learner you know yourself to be.
Q: I already understand Haitian Creole when it’s spoken to me because I grew up with a Haitian family. Do you have any courses for folks like me?
A: Yes, we do! We offer a fun course titled “Kreyòl pou Dyaspora”. This is a class for folks who have a high auditory understanding of Kreyòl but have difficulty speaking or have never formally learned it. This is an opportunity to building upon the knowledge that you already have and become more confident in engaging in Haitian Creole in every way.
Q: Does the Kreyòl Institute offer virtual courses?
A: Yes! The majority of our courses are offered online using Zoom, a video conferencing service. This allows anyone with internet access to take our courses. Offering online courses has opened up our community to people worldwide! Students are able to meet other Kreyòl language learners from all over the world.
Q: Are class sessions recorded for the virtual courses?
A: No, we do not record the courses that we offer virtually. Our courses take place synchronously (i.e., live) and in order to create a space where folks can feel comfortable being themselves and open up, we do not record class sessions. Folks who may miss a class will have access to a Language Partner and Office Hours to catch up on what they missed. Additionally, all registered students receive the entire Kreyòl Institute Coursebook with materials for the entire course up front.
Q: Typically, what is the class size of courses offered at the Kreyòl Institute?
A: Typically, our class sizes are kept small to help better create a sense of community and connection among students. Virtual classes range from 15 – 30 people and vary depending on the time of the year.
Q: Who teaches the courses at the Kreyòl Institute?
A: Our courses are taught by native Kreyòl language speakers who have experience teaching. Kreyòl Institute Instructors follow a research-backed curriculum that engages all four aspects of language: speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension. All of our instructors have lived in Haiti for extended period of time and have intimate knowledge of Haitian culture and history.
Q: What if I am not able to take a full course at the Kreyòl Institute?
A: No problem! We also offer a Language Partner Program that allows you to learn Kreyòl at your own pace while being paired up with someone who can study and practice with you. You can find out more by visiting this page: https://haitiancreoleinstitute.com/product/languagepartnerprogram/
Q: I want my child(ren) to learn Haitian Creole. Can they take classes at the Kreyòl Institute?
A: We love to hear that you want your child(ren) to learn Haitian Creole! If they are ages 0 – 12, they can check out our sister organization Jaden Timoun (a Haitian Creole Language Immersion Program for Children) and engage in age appropriate learning activities. Classes are offered virtually and in person in the New York City area. You can visit their website to learn more: https://jadentimoun.com.
Q: I don’t want to learn Haitian Creole but I am interested in other aspects of Haitian culture. What else does the Institute offer other than language courses?
A: We are a full service language firm and cultural institution. We offer interpretation and translation services, voice over work and much more. Additionally, we often host workshops and programs that focus on different aspects of Haitian culture, like Haitian spirituality, Haitian music, Haitian medicinal herbs, and more. Make sure to sign up for our mailing list or follow us on social media to keep up with the latest news on programming at the Kreyòl Institute.
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