Speaking Jamaican (Jamaica)

Kids Guide to Jamaica

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Speaking Jamaican

Published May 23, 2002


The official language of Jamaica is English, spoken in proper fashion with a Jamaican accent. But the language of everyday is patois (Pat-wa). This musical dialect is a combination of English, Spanish, Portuguese, African phrases and a good dose of Jamaican slang. Spoken in a sing-song style, the result is as exotic as any foreign language. Jamaican patois is a fascinating use of the language. Below are a few phrases you can use to make friends. To learn more about "Patois" please see our online dictionary
Patois	English
ello dere Ketch yuh Layta Whey yuh a sey Whey yuh name? Ow ole yuh is? Mi Fren Mada Fada Nyam Likkle Ax Bwoy Gal	Hello there Catch you Later How is it going? What is you name? How old are you? My Friend mother Father Eat Little Ask Boy Girl

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