Ask the Person From Suriname.

[Stellar]

So I've been nudged into finally doing this one. I get a lot of questions about Suriname on MSN Messenger, mostly where it is. Suriname is a small South-American country that's located right above Brazil. The weather's either hot, rainy or somewhere in between (the in betweens are usually the best as it's quite cool but not too much).

If you have any questions about my country, feel free to ask them in this thread.

[Jeff Brady]

I'm sorry; from where?

[Matt Algren]

I'm sorry; from where?
Sounds like it's basically the Delaware of South America.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I actually do have a random question that came to mind a while back, but spaced it out until now.

Who are the notable writers of the country? Who would be considered a 'classic' Surinamese writer, in other words.

[Stellar]

It's probably better if I post this

http://h1.ripway.com/ixion2/map.gif

I actually do have a random question that came to mind a while back, but spaced it out until now.

Who are the notable writers of the country? Who would be considered a 'classic' Surinamese writer, in other words.

The most notable writer would be Cynthia McLeod. She usually writes books that take place on plantations during the slavery years. Some have criticized her for using the same concept so many times, but there are subtle differences between the books.

After her there are writers like Bea Vianen and Robert Parabirsing (he goes by the pen name RAPPA). Vianen is of mixed heritage, her father was black and her mother was Indian. Most of her novels are about the struggles a person of such mixed ethnicity has to go through, since in the early days there was a lot of tension between Indian and black members of society.

Rappa's works are mostly political satire and black comedy, but he's done a few serious stories.

[Josh S]

What's the official language of Suriname (if there is one)?

I'm also interested in any unique foods that Suriname has to offer.

[DubipR]

Just how famous is Anthony Nesty in your home country?

[i_mmmchocolate]

The most notable writer would be Cynthia McLeod. She usually writes books that take place on plantations during the slavery years. Some have criticized her for using the same concept so many times, but there are subtle differences between the books.

After her there are writers like Bea Vianen and Robert Parabirsing (he goes by the pen name RAPPA). Vianen is of mixed heritage, her father was black and her mother was Indian. Most of her novels are about the struggles a person of such mixed ethnicity has to go through, since in the early days there was a lot of tension between Indian and black members of society.

Rappa's works are mostly political satire and black comedy, but he's done a few serious stories.
Very interesting; thanks for the info.

[Stellar]

What's the official language of Suriname (if there is one)?

I'm also interested in any unique foods that Suriname has to offer.

The formal language is Dutch, since Suriname was once a colony of Holland. Surinamese, on the other hand, is used for more casual settings. Hanging out with friends, or even for making jokes at the work place. There are, however, some issues about the spelling (for instance you is either joe or yu)since no one really bothered to properly put the language in writing. That's because it started as a secret spoken language slaves used. It has elements of spanish, english, portugese and african. Some writers are trying to put a dictionary together.

As for foods, Suriname's population consists of various ethnic groups: African, Chinese, Javanese, Lebanese, Brazilian, Indian (called Hindustani here), Natives and many more. As such, there are a lot different kinds of foods, and some traditional foods have been influenced by other cultures as well. The most famous dishes here are:
Nasie and Bamie, Her Heri (consisting of cooked bananas, potatoes and baked fish), roti, pom (basically a huge cake with a lot of meat).

There are also a lot of different snacks.

[Stellar]

Just how famous is Anthony Nesty in your home country?

Very famous. His image was featured on several of our bills before the government changed the currency in 2004.

[Drew Van T.]

How easy is it to immigrate to the Netherlands, and vice versa? I assume that it used to be relatively easy, but I wonder about the present.

[Stellar]

How easy is it to immigrate to the Netherlands, and vice versa? I assume that it used to be relatively easy, but I wonder about the present.

Immigrating to the Netherlands is very difficult. There are a lot of requirements and applying for a visa is expensive for the average Surinamese person. Immigrating to Suriname from the Netherlands is fairly easier, but it's a long process due to the ridiculous bureaucracy down here. Some Surinamese people travel to the Netherlands for vacation but end up staying there illegally. The Bijlmer region of Amsterdam is infamous for its Surinamese population.

[parrish]

Is there a comic book shop near you?

[Stellar]

Is there a comic book shop near you?

There are only two shops here that get new issues every month and they're both in the city (I live in the suburbs). Rappa, the writer I mentioned earlier, does own a small library where you can take out books as well as comics.

[Chris Nowlin]

This is a thread about surnames?

Can you tell me the origin of the name Nowlin?

[darkhanamaru]

What mix of religions do you have in Suriname? My impression was that your country is quite diverse.

[Stellar]

This is a thread about surnames?

Can you tell me the origin of the name Nowlin?

How about NowLeave?

[Stellar]

What mix of religions do you have in Suriname? My impression was that your country is quite diverse.

Very. We have everything from Roman Catholicism to Hindu to Buddhism. It's also the only country that I know of where you'll find a Synagogue right next to a Mosque.

http://www.surinamevacations.com/photo_album/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Mosque-_-Synagogue.jpg

[darkhanamaru]

Very. We have everything from Roman Catholicism to Hindu to Buddhism. It's also the only country that I know of where you'll find a Synagogue right next to a Mosque.

http://www.surinamevacations.com/photo_album/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Mosque-_-Synagogue.jpg

Thanks for the picture! I heard about that in lonely planet but never saw the picture.

[Drew Van T.]

Immigrating to the Netherlands is very difficult. There are a lot of requirements and applying for a visa is expensive for the average Surinamese person. Immigrating to Suriname from the Netherlands is fairly easier, but it's a long process due to the ridiculous bureaucracy down here. Some Surinamese people travel to the Netherlands for vacation but end up staying there illegally. The Bijlmer region of Amsterdam is infamous for its Surinamese population.

I always assumed that the relationship between the two was more like that between France and some of its remaining territories in Latin America. Clearly I was wrong.

I know at least one Surinaniam-Dutchman (okay, just the one). Raymann (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SMNKp3-7w), comedian who hosts standup and late night shows. Oh, and the standup is mostly in English, guys.

[Matt Algren]

Do you call yourselves Surimen? Surinamen?

[Stellar]

I always assumed that the relationship between the two was more like that between France and some of its remaining territories in Latin America. Clearly I was wrong.

I know at least one Surinaniam-Dutchman (okay, just the one). Raymann (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SMNKp3-7w), comedian who also hosts standup. Oh, and the standup is mostly in English, guys.

Jurgen Raymann has a double nationality. If I recall, he was born there and spent a lot of time here in his younger days. That's why it's easy for him to go up and down.

Do you call yourselves Surimen? Surinamen?

Surinamese.

[Michael P]

Why did I think Suriname was in the East Indies?

[Matt Algren]

Surinamese.Well that's boring. There should be a superhero called Suriman.

[Stellar]

Why did I think Suriname was in the East Indies?

You must've been confused with Indonesia, a former Dutch colony in that region.

[Stellar]

Well that's boring. There should be a superhero called Suriman.

You'd have to explain the name every time. Plus, the flag's colors aren't really suited for a superhero costume.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Where do folks go on vacation when they have a few days off? Do they normally stay in the country or is it common to go on holidays to neighboring countries?

[Michael P]

You must've been confused with Indonesia, a former Dutch colony in that region.

No, I know about Indonesia, I just thought Suriname was one of those little islands around it, like Borneo.

[Stellar]

Where do folks go on vacation when they have a few days off? Do they normally stay in the country or is it common to go on holidays to neighboring countries?

Most people from Paramaribo head to Nickerie (another district) which is only a boat trip away from Guyana. Along with French Guyana, it's a popular destination. That's usually for trips up to a week. For longer trips, people usually go to Curaçao, Aruba or, mostly, the Netherlands.

[Stellar]

No, I know about Indonesia, I just thought Suriname was one of those little islands around it, like Borneo.

I don't know why you'd think that, maybe because Suriname sounds like a name an island in that region would have.

[howyadoin]

So are you a Surinamor?

[Stellar]

So are you a Surinamor?

Yes, here's a picture of me relaxing.

http://images.wikia.com/marveldatabase/images/thumb/d/dd/Namor_008.jpg/300px-Namor_008.jpg

[Rob Allen]

This is a thread about surnames?

Can you tell me the origin of the name Nowlin?


Nowlin
Probably a variant spelling of Irish Nolan.

Nolan
Irish (Leinster and Munster): Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Nualláin ‘descendant of Nuallán’, a personal name representing a diminutive of nuall ‘famous’, ‘noble’.

from Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press


We now return to the Suriname thread...

I seem to recall that it didn't always have the 'e' at the end - I have maps that show it as 'Surinam'. Which one is correct?

Actually, without the 'e' it looks like it could be related to Vietnam - that may be why Michael thought it was near Indonesia.

[Paul McEnery]

Yes, here's a picture of me relaxing.

http://images.wikia.com/marveldatabase/images/thumb/d/dd/Namor_008.jpg/300px-Namor_008.jpg

Don't your toes get all wrinkly like that? I know mine do.

[Sir Tim Drake]

No, I know about Indonesia, I just thought Suriname was one of those little islands around it, like Borneo.

Maybe you're thinking of Sumatra? Or Sulawesi?

[Paul McEnery]

This is a thread about surnames?

Can you tell me the origin of the name Nowlin?

It's actually from the Welsh. "No" meaning "know", and "wlin" meaning "nothing".

It sounds insulting, but apparently the dominant sense is of one who has achieved great wisdom through the renunciation of intellectual pursuits.

Amongst the Welsh.

[Paul McEnery]

Maybe you're thinking of Sumatra? Or Sulawesi?

Or perhaps Surrey.

Serious question!

What's the relationship between Suriname and the two Guyanas? I'm guessing Suriname was Dutch Guyana, yes? Was it all one country once? And now come one of the Guyanas is just Guyana?

[mgs]

thanks. interesting to hear you are from there. but all things international, my first reference is the CIA.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ns.html

[Kirk G]

There is a documentary shot in about 1985 by WTVS, Detroit (PBS) that was OUTSTANDING! It's called "Suriname Is My Name" and won all kinds of awards. Check it out. Ask your local PBS station for the schedule of when it will be shown again, or check out PBS Encore for a copy for yourself!

[beetheb]

Hmm, a few questions pop to mind...

1. How widely spoken is English there?

2. Is Internet access common and widely available?

3. Does the Amazon Rain-forest extend into Suriname?

4. If so, how badly has deforestization ravaged it there?

[CoffeeStained]

We know Suri's name doesn't mean princess like TomKat proclaim, so what does it really mean?

[Drew Van T.]

but all things international, my first reference is the CIA.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ns.html

Yup, they keep excellent data on all the people they might have to torture someday.

[Nikita]

How do you like living in Suriname? What is the culture like?

[Adam West]

I don't know whether this has been asked before, but can you speak javanese?

[Adam West]

No, I know about Indonesia, I just thought Suriname was one of those little islands around it, like Borneo.

Perhaps because there are loads of Javanese people who moved to Suriname during the Dutch colonization. (Javanese = people from Java islands which is in Indonesia or The West Indies back then). They were brought there as plantation workers by the Dutch.

Which is the reason I asked TS about javanese language in my previous post.
From what I heard they're still keeping the Javanese language and tradition alive. My client's computer this morning played a Javanese song, which he claimed it was a streaming internet radio broadcast from Suriname.

[Stellar]

I seem to recall that it didn't always have the 'e' at the end - I have maps that show it as 'Surinam'. Which one is correct?

Actually, without the 'e' it looks like it could be related to Vietnam - that may be why Michael thought it was near Indonesia.

The correct name is 'Suriname.' The version without the e is an incorrect spelling.

Or perhaps Surrey.

Serious question!

What's the relationship between Suriname and the two Guyanas? I'm guessing Suriname was Dutch Guyana, yes? Was it all one country once? And now come one of the Guyanas is just Guyana?

Surrey's in Canada, if I recall. As for the relationships, we're on good terms with French Guyana, but there's tension between us and Guyana. Mainly because of a border issue. There's a large chunk of land Guyana claims belongs to them, but the British gave it to the Dutch hundreds of years ago, which means it still belongs to the former Dutch colony. A few years ago, a Canadian oil company found a large amount of oil there and, needless to say, there were discussions as to who actually owns the land. It hasn't been resolved yet.

Hmm, a few questions pop to mind...

1. How widely spoken is English there?

2. Is Internet access common and widely available?

3. Does the Amazon Rain-forest extend into Suriname?

4. If so, how badly has deforestization ravaged it there?

1. English here is used mostly by employees of hotels or other establishments that often have to deal with English speaking people. But most people often use English phrases like 'Hell no' or some such.

2. Unfortunately, we have only one internet company, and that of course means they can do whatever they want. Our internet is relatively slow.

3. Yes, it does.

4. The government handed out a concession, to a British company, I believe, but several native tribes have contributed to reforestation by planting seeds in once flourishing areas.

We know Suri's name doesn't mean princess like TomKat proclaim, so what does it really mean?

The name comes from the Suries, the first Indian tribe discovered here.

How do you like living in Suriname? What is the culture like?

The culture is fascinating, since it consists of so many other cultures. It's a nice place to live, no natural disasters, great weather. The only problem is the economy which is still up and coming.

I don't know whether this has been asked before, but can you speak javanese?

No, I'm afraid I don't. It's tempting to learn all of Suriname's languages, but there are quite a few.

[Stellar]

Edit: Never mind, it's fixed.

[parrish]

Neither could I, until you posted again.

[Mac Danny]

So What are the chief exports of Suriname?

What color is your currency?

Is Suriname it's own country or is t a colony of another bigger country.

Do you have better health care than the US?

Can I be the president for 500$ US and a Bushel of Bananas like in Costa Rica?

[Stellar]

So What are the chief exports of Suriname?

Bauxite, gold and oil.

What color is your currency?

Every bill has a different color. There's red, green, blue, dark green and brown.

Is Suriname it's own country or is t a colony of another bigger country.

We used to be a colony of the Netherlands until 1975.

Do you have better health care than the US?

No. It's moderate, but expensive.

Can I be the president for 500$ US and a Bushel of Bananas like in Costa Rica?

You'd probably get beaten up, so I wouldn't recommend it.

[Kareem]

Faka Steller!

[Stellar]

Faka Steller!

Faka, mie mang. Alla san boeng?

[Indigo Al]

Stellar,

How are relations in Suriname with the rest of the South American continent? What level of tourism and commerce do you have from the Southern Cone?

[Stellar]

Stellar,

How are relations in Suriname with the rest of the South American continent? What level of tourism and commerce do you have from the Southern Cone?

The only countries we regularly have political talks with are Brazil and Venezuela. With the other countries it's rather sporadic. We lean more toward Caribbean countries than the South-American ones. Most South-American tourists are either from Brazil, French Guyana (a lot of those) or Guyana. We don't get a lot of people from, say, Argentina.

[Kareem]

Faka, mie mang. Alla san boeng?
Alla sani boeng!

en daar houdt mijn surinaams op :)

[parrish]

Faka, mie mang. Alla san boeng?

What does that mean in English? And What language was it originally?

[Stellar]

Alla sani boeng!

en daar houdt mijn surinaams op :)

Hahaha!

Don't worry. When the dictionary comes out, I'm sure a few copies will make their way to your neck of the woods.

[Stellar]

What does that mean in English? And What language was it originally?

It's Surinamese. 'Faka' is short for 'Fawaka' which is Surinamese for 'how's it going?' 'Faka, mie mang, alla sani boen?' means 'Hey, man, how's it going? Everything good?'

[darkhanamaru]

what are power relations like in suriname? does a particular ethnic group run the country? are they are all land owners? oil money?

btw, the head coach of the california victory in san francisco is from suriname and used to play for the national team

[Stellar]

what are power relations like in suriname? does a particular ethnic group run the country? are they are all land owners? oil money?

btw, the head coach of the california victory in san francisco is from suriname and used to play for the national team

Sadly, every ethnic group has at least one political party. Everyone gets along quite well, but during elections the racial element is very prominent. As for power, the rice, milk and automobile retail industries are mostly ruled by Surinamese of Indian heritage. Oil is mostly blacks and caucasians. The coach of the California Victory is Glenn van Straatum. He used to play for Transvaal, one of our two best teams, until he went to college in San Francisco.

[Kareem]

Hahaha!

Don't worry. When the dictionary comes out, I'm sure a few copies will make their way to your neck of the woods.
Je weet 't

Anyways, here's a real question; How do you get your comics in Suriname? Or do they have actual comicbookshops?

[Stellar]

Je weet 't

Anyways, here's a real question; How do you get your comics in Suriname? Or do they have actual comicbookshops?

Usually order them through my cousin in Amsterdam. I usually wait a while, though, as I don't want to bug her every month. Like I said, there are two comic book shops here but they usually only get the big name titles (Superman, Batman, X-Men). Stuff like Vertigo and Wildstorm is almost impossible to find here.

[parrish]

Can you get trade paperbacks in bookstores pretty easily?

[Stellar]

Can you get trade paperbacks in bookstores pretty easily?

Now those you can find cheap over here. But again, it's usually the popular titles.

[parrish]

Are the comics/tpbs usually in English?

[Stellar]

Are the comics/tpbs usually in English?

Mostly Dutch. A company called Junior Press does all the translating and they bring out Dutch trades.

[Shostie]

Would Suriname make a good setting for a post-apocalyptic vampire epic?

[Stellar]

Would Suriname make a good setting for a post-apocalyptic vampire epic?

You'd have to shoot on the outskirts or near the junk yards.

[parrish]

Mostly Dutch.

So how many languages do you speak?

[Stellar]

So how many languages do you speak?

Dutch, Surinamese and English. Dutch you usually learn around the house, Surinamese in school during recess and English, well, my brother and I learned that from television. We had a lot of British and American TV shows. We'd run to my mom and ask her the meaning of a word until she got tired and gave us both dictionaries.

[gary bolt]

You mentioned that Suriname has relations with Venezuela. Is Hugo Chavez liked where you are?

[Stellar]

You mentioned that Suriname has relations with Venezuela. Is Hugo Chavez liked where you are?

We're on good terms, but Suriname is neutral on the whole US - Venezuela situation. There are, however, a few political figures who would rather see him go. During the coup a few years ago, our then minister of foreign affairs stated that it was about time someone replaced Chavez. She went quiet after Chavez was re-instated a few days later. She hasn't been active in politics since.

[Kareem]

Usually order them through my cousin in Amsterdam. I usually wait a while, though, as I don't want to bug her every month. Like I said, there are two comic book shops here but they usually only get the big name titles (Superman, Batman, X-Men). Stuff like Vertigo and Wildstorm is almost impossible to find here.
Oh, that sucks

[Man In Black]

...and English, well, my brother and I learned that from television. We had a lot of British and American TV shows. We'd run to my mom and ask her the meaning of a word until she got tired and gave us both dictionaries.Wow, you look to be extremely fluent, you never took classes or anything like that?

[Stellar]

Oh, that sucks

She responded way too quickly and in a highly unprofessional manner. But it didn't do any real damage to the relations since she was the only political figure that responded that way.

[Albert]

Great thread.

Just curious, are there any local artists or writers you could recommend? Poets perhaps?

[Stellar]

Wow, you look to be extremely fluent, you never took classes or anything like that?

Starting from the 7th grade, Spanish and English are mandatory, up until the 11th grade where you have to choose between Spanish and Advanced Economy. You get English through all of high school and college, though.

[Stellar]

Great thread.

Just curious, are there any local artists or writers you could recommend? Poets perhaps?

Sure, we have a lot of those. There's Robin Ravales, better known as 'Dobroe' (Surinamese for 'double R'), he mostly does comic poems or homages to Suriname. Michael Slory also writes a lot about Suriname, but more about it's natural beauty. Rappa, the writer I mentioned earlier, also writes short poems about politics in Suriname. Most Surinamese poets have their collected works on sale, but the down side is that they prefer to write in Surinamese. There are a few Dutch ones, but no English ones that I know of.

[Albert]

Sure, we have a lot of those. There's Robin Ravales, better known as 'Dobroe' (Surinamese for 'double R'), he mostly does comic poems or homages to Suriname. Michael Slory also writes a lot about Suriname, but more about it's natural beauty. Rappa, the writer I mentioned earlier, also writes short poems about politics in Suriname. Most Surinamese poets have their collected works on sale, but the down side is that they prefer to write in Surinamese. There are a few Dutch ones, but no English ones that I know of.


Its a start anyways, thank you for the quick reply. I know the translations are rare and don't capture every nuance, but you've given me some names to hunt down.

[Stellar]

Its a start anyways, thank you for the quick reply. I know the translations are rare and don't capture every nuance, but you've given me some names to hunt down.

Don't mention it. If you can find the English version of a book called Kri Kra, I'd recommend getting it. It collects poems by various writers, including the ones I mentioned.

[darkhanamaru]

is there a local type of music in suriname?

[Stellar]

is there a local type of music in suriname?

The most popular forms of Surinamese music down here are Kaseko and Kawina. They're both a form of African music, but Kawina is a bit more intense and usually used for coming of age ceremonies or weddings amongst the Saramaccan tribe. Kaseko is often played at parties held by people of all races. There's also a small music industry that consists of reggae, R&B, Soul, but with Surinamese lyrics. On the radio, though, there's mostly R&B and some Rock from the US.

[Stellar]

Less than an hour ago, the Tigris area was declared officially Surinamese property. So ends the long standing border feud with Guyana.

[Drew Van T.]

Less than an hour ago, the Tigris area was declared officially Surinamese property. So ends the long standing border feud with Guyana.

Let the ritual Feeding On the Oil Fields by International Oil Companies commence! :D

Seriously, dude, you should keep those fields nationalized as much as possible.

[Stellar]

Problem is, since the committee felt that Suriname threatened Guyana during the drilling, they get to the keep the profits they made since drilling began. Of course now they have to get the hell out.

[Stellar]

Recent development:
The Tribunal just released the new map. Rather than hand over the property to Suriname, they felt it necessary to split it evenly between the two countries, and lo and behold, Guyana got all the oil.

The government can't protest the final decision, but they can, however, protest the way the line's been drawn. It currently bends right about where the oil is. If it's changed into a straight line, we get at least half of it.

[Michael P]

Recent development:
The Tribunal just released the new map. Rather than hand over the property to Suriname, they felt it necessary to split it evenly between the two countries, and lo and behold, Guyana got all the oil.

The government can't protest the final decision, but they can, however, protest the way the line's been drawn. It currently bends right about where the oil is. If it's changed into a straight line, we get at least half of it.

Boy, it's a good thing that never happens in America!

*hides district map of Atlanta*

[Drew Van T.]

You'll have to drill diagonally to get at the oil. Takes more pipes, but Carl Barks proved it worked in a Scrooge McDuck comic.

But joking aside, for the good of both countries they ought to divide this evenly.