San Nicolaas English, also known as Bush English, is a variety of Caribbean English spoken in the town of San Nicolaas in Aruba.[1] It is spoken by many of the town's estimated 15.000 residents. It is also spoken by a smaller number of speakers in other parts of Aruba. San Nicolaas English is often spoken alongside Papiamento, one of the official languages of Aruba.[2][3]
San Nicolaas English has had a profound impact on Aruba's carnival music scene, with many contributions made by speakers to Aruban Calypso and Road March music.[6]
Today, San Nicolaas English is spoken by many of the town's inhabitants and by a smaller number in other parts of Aruba, including by many Arubans and immigrants of non-British Caribbean and non-Afro Aruban descent residing in San Nicolaas.