Understanding the Caribbean

Discussion Points:

• Which territories make up the Caribbean?
  
  
• Who were the first people in the Caribbean?
  
  
• Who were the first Europeans in the Caribbean?
  
  
• Why did they come to the Caribbean?
  
  
• What do you think were the reasons for the disappearance of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean?
  
  
• Describe what happened in the triangle trade.
  
  
• What are some of the factors which contributed to the end of slavery?
  
  
• What happened to the languages of the Africans in the Caribbean?
  
  
• Given its historical implication, why do you think some Caribbean people would reject the use of the term "West Indian"?
  
  
• How important do you think history and social development are in defining a language?