Outline of Chapter 13 Section 2: The Cultures of the Caribbean I. The People of the Caribbean A. West Indies/ Caribbean Islands 1. Caribbean islands stretch over 2,000 miles from Florida to the northeast coast of South America 2. There are more than a dozen different nations 3. Called the West Indies, because Columbus thought he’d reached the Indies on his expedition to Asia B. First People of the Caribbean 1. Long before Columbus arrived, the first people on these islands were the Ciboney. They lived here thousands of years. 2. In about 300 B.C., they were joined by the Arawaks, who came from South America. 3. About 1000, the Caribs arrived from South America. They gave the region its name. When Europeans arrived, they enslaved the Natives. Almost all of these indigenous people died from either overwork or diseases. 4. Today, there are just a few hundred Caribs left; they live on the island of Dominca. C. People of the Caribbean Today 1. The Spanish, the English, French, and Dutch claimed lands in the Caribbean. They built large sugar plantations and brought many enslaved Africans to work on them. 2. Today most people of the Caribbean are descended from those Africans. 3. Because so many people came to the Caribbean as colonists, slaves, or immigrants, the area has a rich ethnic variety. 4. Ethnic Group- group of people who share the same ancestry, language, religion, or cultural traditions D. Languages of the Caribbean 1. People on Caribbean islands may speak one of several European languages, depending on their island’s history. Their language may also be a mixture of African and European languages. 2. Hispaniola: two countries/ two cultures Haiti- French and Haitian Creole ( French-based language with some African and Spanish words) Dominican Republic- Spanish(mostly mestizo people) E. Foods 1. Foods represent the mixture of the cultures on the islands- they make use of the rich natural resources of the region. 2. Fruits- tropical fruits eaten and used to make juices and other drinks not readily available in the U.S. 3. Bammy- bread made from cassava plant. Traditional food made the way African slaves made it. 4. Caribbean people also enjoy many types of seafood not found in United States waters. Examples: flying fish, sea urchin eggs F. Music 1. Calypso- form of song using humorous lyrics and has a distinctive beat 2. Reggae- originating from Jamaica; strong rhythm with a chunking sound at the end of each measure; traditional songs often have political messages in the lyrics 3. Steel Drums- instruments made from recycled oil drums .