Learn How 'Fe' Talk The Jamaican Language
"Nuff people ask me fe put some Jamaican language pon this site." so, here it is!
Here is some "real" Jamaican patois (pronounced patwa) straight from "yawd."
What is Patois? It is formal English broken into bits and pieces to fit the Jamaican vibes...enough to get Jamaicans talking among themselves.
Though not internationally recognized as an official language, it has been around for quite some time.
It all began back in the 17th century when West African slaves on the island were forced to learned the language of their slave masters.
Without formal teachings, these slaves quickly adjusted pronunciations to fit their understanding.
This 'new' English mingled with their native 'tongue' would slowly morph into what we now call "Patwa."
Today, 'patwa' is the language of choice on the island. People still learn formal English in schools and so on, but they only use it when necessary...for example, when they a seeking employment or when they have to work in an environment that demands its usage...Otherwise, 'Patwa' is king!
The next time you meet and talk to a Jamaican...and can get them to speak in the native tongue, listen for words like "Wha" which means "what," "fe" meaning "for," "ya" meaning "yes"...and so on.
Also, check out the words below and see if you can pronounce and use them when you get the chance, they may become very useful if you plan to visit the island.
These are the same words in the video above. I have provided a little help with the enunciation, so enjoy...
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A's...
| acta: actor. | adis: it is this |
| adoor: outside | afi: it is for |
| auty: hearty | actoba: october |
| agany: agony | ago: I am going to go |
| agood: serve you just right | ahoa: exclamation similar to oooh or aaaah |
| aldoah: although | alla wi: all of us |
| alms ouse: poor house | an : and |
| anda: under | anadda/anedda: another |
| anansi: Name of spider character in favorite Jamaican folkore | ansa: answer |
| anty: aunt | ar: or |
| areddi: already | ascordin: according |
| artical: respected | ave: have |
| awile: awhile | awright: alright |
| aask: ask |
That's it for the A's for now.
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B's -
Follow this link for the enunciation - Pronuncing words starting with "b"....and subscribe above for future words
| bald head: anyone without dreadlocks, accepting the establishment. | bandaloo: dishonest, dishonesty |
| badda badda: to constantly bother someone where it becomes annoying | badderation: a big problem |
| bangarang: disturbance, noise | bashment: a party |
| bat: moth | batta: batter, battered |
| bawn: born | bawn back cow: stupid |
| bawn ya: born here | bay foot: bare foot |
| batty: bottom, buttocks | batty boy: homosexual male |
| bax juice: popular Jamaican box drinks | beenie: small |
| beg: ask for | betta: better |
| bigga: popular name for big guys | big up: praise |
| bissy: busy | bissy body: troublesome |
| bizniz: business | bling bling: diamond, jewellery |
| bly: give a chance or break | boasy: boastful |
| boops: sugar daddy |
.....end of the B's....C's coming up soon...
