<P> Dominica was partially integrated into the federal colony of the Leeward Islands in 1832 . Later, in 1871, it became a full part of the Federation of the Leeward Islands . From the start it was a peculiar relationship for previously Dominica had played no part in the political or cultural traditions of the other more Anglophone islands of the federation . Now, as a Leeward Island, this much larger territory, with thousands of acres of forested unclaimed land, was open to the people of Montserrat and Antigua . At the beginning of the 20th century the Rose's Company, which produced Rose's lime juice, saw demand for its product outgrow its ability to supply the product from Montserrat . Their response to the situation was to buy land on Dominica and encourage Montserrat farm labourers to relocate . As a result, there came to be two linguistic communities in Dominica, Wesley and Marigot . </P> <P> In 1902, on 8 May, the Mount Pelée volcano on Martinique erupted destroying the city of Saint - Pierre . Refugees from Martinique arrived in boats to the southern villages of Dominica and some remained permanently on the island . </P> <P> English is the official language of Dominica and is universally spoken and understood . In addition, Dominican Creole French, an Antillean Creole based on French, is widely spoken . This is due to French occupation of the island during different times in history, and its location between the two French - speaking departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe . Since 1979, Dominica has been a member of La Francophonie . Dominican Creole is particularly used among the older generation, which also speaks a patois language . Because of a decline in the use of Creole by the younger generation, initiatives have been set up in an effort to increase usage and promote this unique part of the nation's history and culture . </P> <P> Along with Creole, a dialect known as Kokoy (or Cockoy) is spoken . It is a type of pidgin English which is a mix of Leeward Island English Creole and Dominican Creole, and is mainly spoken in the north - eastern villages of Marigot and Wesley, by the descendants of immigrants from Montserrat and Antigua . Over time there has been much intermarrying, but there are still traces of difference in origin . As a result of this mixture of languages and heritage, Dominica is a member of both the French - speaking Francophonie and the English - speaking Commonwealth of Nations . </P>

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