Jamaican Patwa (Patois)
Here Are Your First Words :-)

New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!

Jamaican Patwa

Jamaican Patwa/Patois Jamaican, by Nemonie Cassells | Associate Writer

Out of Many, One People…that is our Jamaican motto, and it is simply stating that our “land of wood and water” is made up of people whose ancestors come from many different race and cultural backgrounds.

Some of us Jamaicans have ancestors tracing back to the nomadic race of brown skinned Asians, known as the Arawaks, who first arrived on the Island.  (Read history of Jamaica here)

Some came from the Africans who were brought here as slaves. Some came from more modern Asians who came here to work after slavery was “abolished”, and of course, there are descendants here from European background as well. 

Whichever ethnic background we may come from (And believe me when I say, the bloodlines have been mixed over the many years), we are all one people under the warm island sun! Jamaica land we love!

With all the factors stated above, no wonder we have the best of everything that we have available to use… I’m talking about; Food, Entertainment, Sports and Language! 

Now even though our first language is English, our creole; patois, is what we are most recognized for! Our dialect, I’ve been told many times, is the best in the Caribbean! 

And people just love to hear us speak, to hear our accent and the words we use, even if they don’t understand a lick of what we are saying. 

Many believe our patois is broken English, but they are actually incorrect in this. Our patois is actually made up of not only English, but some of the West African languages  and a little Spanish too (Ironically the word “patois” is french)! 

With so many language influencing our tongue, it is quite interesting to listen to, even if not learned.

Today I am going to teach you patois by revealing the patois word for your English. When you’re done here, you should be able to enjoy a nice conversation with your Jamaican friends and family without feeling left out! 

Ready?

OK ('Arite)!

Practice those and in no time, you'll be able to hold good conversation with a true “Yardie” in patois.

Your Welcome!! :-)

One of the fastest ways to understand a dialect or language is through movies and TV shows. Here are some of the best (and worst) Jamaican accents in cinema.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Culture from Jamaican Patwa (Patois)
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Patwa (Patois)

Jamaican Patwa (Patois) | Written: June 25th, 2019

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

NEW! 

Join the growing list of well-thinking,  Jamaica-Loving folks in our vibrant Private Community

👇🏿

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Jamaican Passion Fruit Juice | Refreshing, Delicious, Nutritious!

   Apr 18, 24 05:14 PM

   
   Summer is fast approaching. We’ll need many refreshing drinks to take through the warm sunny weather. Why not add Jamaican passion fruit juice to the list?

   Read More

2. Lime Cay Jamaica | A Jamaican Beach Adventure!

   Apr 18, 24 10:21 AM

   
   I am convinced some of the most pristine beaches in the world are right here in Jamaica. Here’s one you might not have heard of, Lime Cay Jamaica!

   Read More

3. The Iberostar Rose Hall Beach All-Inclusive Hotel

   Apr 17, 24 04:33 PM

   
   In Montego Bay, hotels are a dime a dozen. It’s sometimes hard to choose where to stay. If you are considering Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, here’s what to expect.

   Read More

4. Must Have Experiences In Jamaica...That Don’t Include The Beach

   Apr 17, 24 11:25 AM

   
   Jamaica boasts many beaches, of which we are immensely proud. But, take a step back from the sand and sea for some other must have experiences in Jamaica.

   Read More

5. River Tubing In Jamaica | Where Should I Go?

   Apr 14, 24 05:34 PM

   
   You can’t avoid water activities on a Jamaican vacation. We are an island after all! I see you are interested in river tubing in Jamaica. Here’s where to go.

   Read More