“They also appreciate the fact that the messages are multicultural and multi-language.Miami-Dade County is on track to receive $1.4 million in federal funding to support transit projects in its northeastern and southeastern corners.Įarlier this month, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced 19 grant awards through President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law totaling $13.1 million for pilot programs across the country. “We can reach a wider audience who may be limited in their English proficiency,” said Damian. Having a robust program of outreach to diverse communities allows MDT to meet riders where they’re at. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act “prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance,” according to the Department of Justice.
“But we also do this as a service to our multicultural, multilingual community.” “For public meetings and other legally-required items, we follow the Title VI requirements,” said Karla Damian, Media and Public Relations Officer for the Department of Transportation and Public Works at Miami-Dade County.
Miami-Dade County’s incorporation of Kreyol alongside Spanish and English is part of both legal requirements and an effort at being responsive to the community. The latter, Haitian Kreyol, may sound like French, but years after Toussaint L’Ouverture’s revolution routed the European nation, it has remained a language all its own.Īccording to Indiana University’s Professor Valdman, “ore than 90 percent of the vocabulary of Creole is of French origin, yet French people can’t understand Creole.” The recognition of Kreyol as its own, essentially distinct language means accommodations for the large Haitian population in Miami are necessary. In the Miami-Dade Transit system, announcements are made in English, Spanish and Haitian Kreyol. It’s not quiet, but it’s not something most pay attention to intentionally: a bus announcement. Visitors to Miami may notice something they’re not used to on their way in to their hotels, but only if they listen carefully.
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