Learn How to Pronounce Wozo | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Wozo

Quick Answer: In Antillean Creole, the word Wozo is pronounced [wozo].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Roseau, known affectionately as Wozo in Dominican Creole (Kweyòl), is the vibrant capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The name "Wozo" is derived from the indigenous Kalinago word for the tall, reedy river cane that once flourished along the banks of the Roseau River, a testament to the island's deep pre-colonial history. Nestled on the southwest coast against a dramatic backdrop of steep, verdant mountains, Wozo is celebrated for its historic French and British colonial architecture, such as the Roseau Cathedral, and its bustling Old Market Plaza—a central hub for local crafts and produce. As the island's primary port and commercial heart, the city offers an authentic immersion into Dominican culture, from the lively Creole market brimming with tropical fruits and spices to its role as the gateway for eco-tourism adventures to nearby Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite facing significant challenges, including severe damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017, Roseau has demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding its cruise ship port and reinforcing its status as a captivating destination for travelers seeking both cultural richness and access to Dominica's famed natural beauty.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term is "Wozo," the Creole name for Roseau. Common variations and errors stem from phonetic spelling or confusion with similar words. "Wozu" is a frequent misspelling, likely due to the unclear pronunciation of the final vowel sound. Some may incorrectly write "Wozau," adding an unnecessary 'a'. It is also sometimes mistakenly capitalized fully as "WOZO," though standard usage treats it as a proper noun with only an initial capital. Confusion can arise with the French spelling "Roseau," which is the official English name as well, leading to the error of using "Wozo" and "Roseau" interchangeably as if they are two different places rather than one city with two names. In Dominican Creole orthography, it is consistently spelled Wozo.

Example Sentences

After docking at the cruise ship port, visitors immediately sense the energetic pulse of Wozo, Dominica's bustling capital.

A walking tour through Wozo reveals a captivating blend of weathered colonial buildings and the vibrant sounds of Creole patois.

Locals often refer to the Saturday market as the heart of Wozo, where the aroma of spices and the colorful displays of local crafts create a feast for the senses.

The resilience of Wozo was evident in the meticulous restoration of its historic cathedral following the hurricane.

To truly understand Dominican culture, one must spend a day getting lost in the lively, narrow streets of Wozo.

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