Jamaican Patois (Volume 1, Issue 1)

SAKURAIRO LANGUAGE SERIES

What is Jamaican Patois?

The Purpose of this article is to teach Jamaican Patois.

To some Jamaicans, Patois is considered a complete language. However, to others  it is considered a dialect of the English language.

I am an advocate of the latter argument. I believe that Patois is a dialect of the English language and you may choose for yourself over  time as you learn more about patois.

To me, many of the Patois words are bastardized English words and some English words have no Patois translation. They are just used as they are.

So, the SakuraIro Language Series will provide weekly insights into the Jamaican Patois dialect and give short, but sweet lessons :).

Patois is a living dialect that is influenced by many things and it is always evolving.

Patois also differs from parish to parish. (Jamaica is divided into parishes.) This means that all Jamaicans don't sound the same and our accents also differ based on our home towns.

Today’s lesson is introductory. Therefore,  I will simply provide some vocabulary relating to greetings. I hope it’s easy enough for beginners.

Cheers!

 

Introductory Jamaican Patois—Greetings

 1. Howdy— Hello, How are you doing?

2. Mawning—Good morning

3. How yuh do? - How are you doing

4. Mi ahh right— I am all right

5. Yuh  good? / Yo good? - Are you ok?

6. Waa gwaan— What’s going on?

7. Mi deh yah— I am ok / I am here

8. Likkle more— See you later

9. Lata— Later

10. Inna di lights— See you in the morning

Blue Bubble: Rastaman, I didn't know that you eat meat.
Green Bubble: Have you ever seen a lion eating grass?
(Rastafarians are believed to be vegetarians. The rastaman in this picture however eats meat. Rastafarians often times refer to themselves as lions meaning they are strong.)

See you next week!