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How do Jamaicans know that I'm British

by Faith
(UK)

QUESTION about: How Do They Know My Nationality

Hey how do Jamaicans know if you are from there? If you have not even opened your mouth. Yo are just walking down the street, and someone shouts out "British"

ANSWER: by Wellesley, April 2016

Hi Faith,

Very interesting question, lol.
I take it that you are British right?

Ok, good!

Let me take a guess at your question... remember this is all subjective now :-)

I also take it that you are Caucasian, right?

If you are, then that might be the first clue. Not only is over 95% of Jamaicans are dark-skinned, most visitors to Jamaica are either American, British and Canadians - in that order.

So if you are not dark-skinned and doesn't look Asian, how do we know?

Then I would presume it is your general demeanor. Americans are said to be a bit more flamboyant and confident here, where British nationals are usually more 'retained' - if you know what I mean :-)

That might be it!

Please don't hold me to this though, this is just my personal view, others might have other basis but I think I am speaking for the typical Jamaican- at least I hope so :-)

And by the way, many Jamaicans also typically calls asian-looking people (who they do not know their names) "Mr. Chin" and "Ms Chin" :-); That's one of 26 ways to instantly recognize (on the flip side) a Jamaican.

Please read it to add some humour to your day :-)

Anyway, I hope this helps!

See also: Understanding Jamaican culture

Regards,
Wellesley Gayle, My-Island-Jamaica.com

P.S. I invite our ardent fans to share their feedback here, so watch the comments below.

Comments for How do Jamaicans know that I'm British

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Jun 01, 2016
 How do Jamaicans know that I'm British
by: Mike

To comment on the above topic, the way that Jamaicans know that you are British is by the clothes you wear.

For example, men from the UK often times tends to wear trousers which has only one back pocket.

In general, persons from the UK sometimes tend to overdress or have on woollen clothes rather than light tropical clothes.

It could also be the way you conduct yourself can be a give away (e.g. waiting in queues, lots of "thank you", "thanks", very generous - easily give things away). I can testify to this because I was a victim of all of the above.
May 05, 2016
 British girl
by: Faith

That's just the thing. I am not Caucasian. My parents are Jamaican, but yes I was born in England. At the moment I am in Jamaica, and I come every year. Every time I am in town someone shouts out British. I don't even open my mouth, and I dress no differently from most of them.
Don't get it
May 05, 2016
 "unusual" question from Faith in the UK.
by: Donovan

I think you have said it best.However, I have often been disconcerted as how a lot of Jamaicans can just look at a person and to say he or she is an American or British.I was wondering if people were sending signals all day, without paying attention to them.The way they move their eyes, the way they shake hands and so.But I find your comment very enlightening.
May 05, 2016
 Nice Article and Question.....
by: Chrissy

Nice email....gave me a smile on my face in this morning....interestingly I am from Jamaica and I go to to uni in the UK and I don't know why I do it, but I occasionally check the people on the bus, whether they spoke or not and say to my self .....that person is Jamaican/ Caribbean.....8/10 I think I am correct by the time I hear their voice......Its the way and manner in which they carry themselves....can let you fine tune someones culture and background....
May 05, 2016
 British
by: Karah

I no a British person by the way they walk and the way they dress
May 01, 2016
 how do Jamaicans know that foreigner
by: Nersandy

i can relate to the question how Jamaicans know i am British, i went home to jamaica back in the 80s and I was called foreigner.

I didnt speak but they can tell by your skin tone am not ms chin am just light complexion and relax hair, being in the cold for so many years my skin tone started to looking like a white woman than a black woman.

And I didn't bleach it am just natural, and I don't like going to the market in jamaica people overcharged me. My question is why? I was born there for God sake, sometimes I fell as if I doesn't belong there.

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About The Author

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A patriotic Jamaican who adore its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.  

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