Is it Jamaican, broken English, Jamaican broken English, Jamaican English or Jamaican patois that Jamaicans speak? Do we chat it or speak it, or say it? Is it a language or a dialect?
The debate goes on. Well experts are now making valid input. So here’s the most logical answer so far.
FOUR THINGS SHOULD BE A MUST for All Jamaicans, in my opinion:
1. LEARN to swim
2. HAVE A VISA To the US. I dont think so many will be excited about running away and living abroad at least in the USA
3. TAKE a trip across Jamaica, a real indepth trip
4. BE Team Jamaica certified by TAKing one of the Team Jamaica Training Courses. Especially if you want to become an Ambassador and as you know based on jobs in media, and the arts for example, some Jamaicans already are. It definitely wont hurt to get as much inormation on what makes a Jamaican a Jamaican through lessons and immersion in areas such as special events and spots, the food, the entertainment, the history.
For more visit TEAM JAMAICA CERTIFICATION or www.tpdco.com
RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS ABOVE:
At a recent TEAM JAMAICA training session, I learnt that we speak ‘Jamaican’ language not patois which is what dialects are referred to. Yes, there are pockets of patois on the island, but the official language being developed with it’s own rules and so on is JAMAICAN
Think about it English people speak English, Spanish people speak Spanish but we as Jamaicans speak English and chat Jamaican!
Here’s one rule of the JAMAICAN LANGUAGE:
“Di gal deh”/”Da gal deh” PLURALISED is “Dem gal deh”
This in
- English
means “This/That girl” or “The Girl” PLURALISED AS “These/Those girls” in reference to specific girl/girls
Now broken or
- Jamaican English
would put it at “Di girl” YIKES, I do declare!!!
And
- patois
would translate it “Shi gal”
EDITOR’S NOTE:
You may want to purchase the Jamaican version of the Bible, as a good gift or souvenir.
Walk good!!!!
Read more in Culturally Yours on Jamaicans.com!!
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Di is does not mean THAT, Di means THE!
Dem does not mean THOSE, Dem means THEM!
You mis-inform people, and why is it so important to have a Visa to the US? You need to explain dis (THIS)
Hi Donovan,
Thanks for your communication. It seems you read the article in a hurry. May I suggest that you review the article before being so quick to judge and chatise. You will realise how carefully worded the statement and translations are based on research, as well as so that the principle is upheld.
On the other hand, a slower read will also bring you to an understanding of my suggestion to have a visa to US. However, I will quickly add that it is my opinion based on observations and research when Jamaicans go to the ‘greener side’ and see first hand ill experiences by a great number of fellow Jamaicans, they immediately seek options to gain their objectives such as studies, jobs quicker so they can return home to do better. Others I’ve noticed just come right back and realise the ‘gold’ they left behind.
I hope these responses clarifies any misunderstandings and make you happier to be Jamaican and a reader of this website.
Bless!