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Learn How to Speak Jamaican Patois by Crystal Holness
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If you have ever visited Jamaica, or even listened to Jamaicans speaking in a television show or movie, you would likely have noticed that they have a different way of saying many things even though they are speaking English.
This manner of talking is known as Patois, or Jamaican Creole and it is a regional dialect spoken throughout the island. In professional settings such as an office or school, Standard English is spoken, but Patois is the most common way for people to converse casually with each other.
Patois is made up of words which are borrowed from many other languages including English, Spanish, and numerous West African languages. It is a fairly flexible way of speaking, and is not strictly bound by rules, for instance there can be more than one acceptable spelling and pronunciation of certain words.
Although an actual Jamaican accent is not easily developed by those who are not native to the island, it is not difficult to learn how to speak Jamaican Patois and understand what is being said when others speak it. As with any type of language, Patois has some unique grammatical qualities which should be noted.
Basic Pronouns In Patios:
Mi – I
Yu – You
Unu – You all
Dem – They, Them, Their
Wi – We
Im – He or She
PatiosWh'appen? Wa mek? Ya no see it? Whole heap Pickney Nyam Aks Feel no way Likkle more Yahso Yard Wa gwaan? 'Pon haste |
English MeaningWhat's happening? Why? You know? A lot Child Eat Ask Don't Worry See You Later Here Home What's going on? In a hurry |
With a little practice anyone can learn to speak and understand Jamaican Patois reasonably well.
Who knows? On your next visit to the island, you might even impress the locals with your grasp of their language!
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