Ramon Todd

Ramon Todd Dandarè is a distinguished linguist, educator, and advocate for the preservation of Papiamento, the native language of Aruba. He is a co-founder of the Plataforma Nacional Herencia di Sclavitud na Aruba (P.N.H.S.A.), an organization dedicated to safeguarding the heritage of the enslaved individuals brought to Aruba and ensuring their cultural legacy remains recognized.

Born in Riohacha, Colombia, in 1942, Dandarè relocated to Aruba at the age of ten. In the mid-1960s, he completed his secondary education in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He later graduated cum laude in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Amsterdam in 1969. In 1975, he obtained a Master of Arts in Spanish and Linguistics from the University del Valle in Cali, Colombia.

Dandarè has devoted his career to the study and promotion of Papiamento, a Portuguese-based creole language spoken primarily in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. His research highlights the linguistic connections between Papiamento and other creole languages from the West African coast, such as Cape Verdean Creole and Guinea-Bissau Creole. Since its official recognition as a national language of Aruba in May 2003, Papiamento has remained at the core of his academic and cultural efforts.

Throughout his career, Dandarè has actively contributed to the linguistic field by teaching Papiamento and Linguistics in Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. His scholarly work includes numerous publications in newspapers, professional journals, and magazines. He has also participated in international linguistic conferences, advocating for the study and appreciation of Papiamento.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dandarè did coordinate Papiamento courses for junior educators, aiming to enhance their knowledge and foster greater appreciation for the language. His lifelong dedication to linguistic preservation continues to influence the recognition and understanding of Papiamento within the ABC Islands and beyond.