Jamaica Speak
The official national language of Jamaica is English although Jamaicans speak an English dialect called "Jamaican Patois" (pronounced /pætwɑː/). The communication accent can be difficult for other English speaking tourists to understand. Confusion can be further compounded since most Jamaicans speak fast. The dialect influence derives from a melding of cultural ancestry. The British English has the biggest influence on Patois but is also co-influenced from various African languages as well as small contributions from European and Asian languages. Read the History of Jamaica and the Jamaican Culture.
Much of the following language descriptions are republished from the Jamaica Tourism Board website which also has a wealth of comprehensive information about vacationing in Jamaica.
The means of communication of Jamaicans emerged as an expression of people from their roots and oppression. The Jamaican English dialect is a "colorful lingo" spoken by people that possess a gift for vivid imagery, ridicule and irony, down-to-earth humor and bawdy cuss-words.
Jamaicans tend to drop the "r" at the end of words, so that dollar becomes "dolla", and water becomes "wata" similar to accents in the New York City area. Double "t's" within words sometimes become double "k's", changing little to "likkle", and bottle to "bokkle". They often add or subtract "h" so that when you "harrive" at your "otel", "heverybody" will tell you "ello".
Men and women alike become "im" or "dem". "Dem" is quite a versatile word. It also acts as a modifier to pluralize everything, so "yuh new fren dem" will accompany you to the "place dem" that you need to visit. Jamaicans also have an interesting system of adding words - your "frock tail" may "hitch up" under your "foot bottom" causing you to "drop dung" and hurt your "neck back".
When in Jamaica you "nyam" (eat) your "bickle" (food) and "labrish" (gossip) with friends. "Jam" (hang out) on the beach with your "likkle boonoonoonous" (someone you love) or "bush-out" (dress up), "touch di road" (leave your house) and "go sport" (socialize). In the market you’re sure to get "brawta" (a little extra) with any purchase. Enjoy "Ital stew" (salt-free, Rastafarian vegetarian dish) and a good "reasoning" (discussion) with your Jamaican "Idren" (friends). "Skank" (Rock to Reggae music) at a local "dance" (street party) and drink a "stripe…well cold" (very cold Red Stripe beer).
And at the end of it all? "It sweet fi talk."
A Lot of Fun Jamaican Words to Know.
If you plan on a Jamaica vacation or just want to be entertained with the lively and fun Jamaican English dialect, the Jamaica Tourism Board website includes an extensive A to Z Jamaican Dictionary. You'll love it!
