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Trying to find a good Jamaican dictionary? Something that can help you translate a few of the words we use.... at least you won't be left clueless when we talk right?
Well, I suspect there have been many attempts to translate and publish such material, but they are just that, 'attempts'...many of the authors doesn't even fully understand the language themselves!
I have done some research for you though and found two credible sources that would help you very well; The Websters Jamaican online Dictionary, and a book called the Jabari Authentic Jamaican Dictionary.
Neither of them can adequately capture all the expressions we use, but I believe they did a good job capturing some of the most popular terms and slangs.
The Jabari Jamaican glossary for example, captures over 3000 clear and concise definitions of Jamaican words and phrases. Also included are pronunciation guides, variants, usage notes, parts of speech etc. I have a copy that I myself refer to quite often- I love it!
The Websters online Dictionary alphabetically list hundreds of popular Jamaican creole or patois terms that you simply click on and get the english equivalent. By they way, do you know what 'fenkey fenkey' means? Check it out!
You can see the Jabari Authentic Dictionary here and the Jamaican Websters online dictionary here.
Another useful website that may also help you is this one. Take a look when you get a chance too.
So, go ahead and learn the language,it may come in quite handy especially if you are coming here for a vacation!
Don't miss these other related pages about Jamaica below:
And by the way, if you haven't yet done so, make sure you subscribe to my free monthly e-zine My Island Jamaica Digest (MIJD) and stay with the very latest!
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