Jamaica vs. Barbados

by Tolori
(Durham, NC, USA)

O: I was wondering what are the differences between the way Jamaicans talk versus the way people of Barbados talk? I am in a play and the director has asked me to do my best Barbados accent, but to me it sounds like a bad Jamaican accent. Help me please!

A: I don't know too much about the way Barbadians (Bajans)talk, so here is a little video to help out - Barbadian video

...and here is a Jamaican video as well - Jamaican video


You may notice that our accent is different in that we talk "plainer" and slower with more emphasis on our expression...and the language itself is basically "broken" English.

Bajan's talk a little faster with totally different pronunciation and enunciation. I kinda find it hard to follow their talking, but I do my best.

Hope the video helps.