Re: Pè Selès,
It is not necessary to use the definite article when addressing God in a prayer in Haitian Creole.
Pè Selès (from French: Père Céleste) → Celestial Father (literally) Pè Selès la → The Celestial Father (literally)
But, I suspect that if someone uttered "Pè Selès la" in front of a congregation while he's praying, it may be because he's certifying in front of everyone that he's praying to "The God of Heavens"
Pè Selès (from French: Père Céleste) → Celestial Father (literally) Pè Selès la → The Celestial Father (literally)
But, I suspect that if someone uttered "Pè Selès la" in front of a congregation while he's praying, it may be because he's certifying in front of everyone that he's praying to "The God of Heavens"
I agree, but I was told that the article was required for good Creole. As proof, he stated that when a student in class wants the attention of the teacher, he doesn't call out "Mèt!"; he calls out "Mèt la!"
ReplyDeleteThat does not sound right to me.
DeleteI'll have to disagree.
Did he say to what exactly this "required" rule apply: like addressing God, a teacher, Mom, Dad, your bòs, etc...?
No, he didn't say. Neither "Mèt la" nor "Pè Selès la" sounded right to me either.
Deletehough some people in Haiti do use the definite article after "mèt" (sometimes), I cannot think of any rules that would require anyone to address another in such a way as: Mèt la, Bòs la, Jij la, Bondye a, Doktè a
ReplyDeleteBut if you do decide to do it, you should know that, in English, it would translate to an "endearing" title like The one and only.