Sak Pase Definition

‘‘Sak pase? Map boule!’’, was a phrase I heard many times during my childhood. That phrase was a common greeting known between Haitians. ‘‘Sak pase?’’ means ‘‘How’s it going?’’ and ‘‘Map boule’’ is a reply meaning in a not so literal term ‘‘I’m burning!’’ Those phrase would then on in my lifetime forever give a euphoric feeling. Throughout my childhood, I came to sense the meaning of being a Haitian through my surroundings. For instance, visiting the birth place of my ethnicity made me feel more like a Haitian. Then, having close relatives engage in conversation with me helped. As well as, the profound respect you end up having for your country. My ethnic identity moment first begin early in my childhood, when I was two years old. My parents decided to travel to Haiti with me. The moment I arrive, everything was a first time for me. First time meeting my sisters, eating authentic Haitian food, seeing the Haitian flag. It was such a culture rush for an American born child whose first language was English. From the moment your feet touch Haiti soil, you immediately feel connected with the land. You
It was very important to grasp the words as a little girl because every language known in earth is meant as a form of communication. Not only is language a form of communication but a key to connecting to others. The English language was out the door and Haitian-creole kick in. Many phrase and saying Haitians say, if translated in English it would have a complete different meaning or lose the feeling behind it. Every language I’ve come across has feeling behind, but the Haitian language carry a more powerful expression in any conversation. Along with every slang Americans have come up with, Haitians have many slang words as well. I recognize slang words as a ‘‘secret’’ code that only people within your culture understand. Beings a part of this ‘‘secret’’ make me feel welcome as a