Do Jamaicans speak English or patois?
Do Jamaicans speak English or patois?
Do Jamaicans speak English or patois?
Jamaican Patois (/ˈpætwɑː/), (known locally as Patois, Patwa, and Patwah and called Jamaican Creole by linguists) is an English-based creole language with West African influences, spoken primarily in Jamaica and among the Jamaican diaspora.
What are some common phrases in Jamaica?
These are the top Jamaican sayings and phrases to use when you visit Jamaica:
- ‘Weh Yuh Ah Seh’ The literal translation of this Jamaican saying is, “What are you saying?”.
- ‘Boonoonoonoos’
- ‘Small Up Yuhself’
- ‘Wah Gwaan’
- ‘Irie’
- ‘Mi Deh Yah, Yuh Know’
- ‘Weh Yuh Deh Pon’
- ‘Ya Mon’
What does deh yah mean in Jamaican?
“Mi deh Yah „ English Translation: I am here. Definition Slang expression usually used in response to a greeting expression like “How are you doing” or “What’s going on”.
What are some Jamaican greetings?
10 Jamaican Greetings That You Should Know Before You Go
- Weh yuh ah deal wid? – What are you up to?
- Waa pree? – Translates to “What are you up to?”
- Yuh Gud? – Are you good / Are you ok?
- Howdeedo – How are you?
- Wadup – What’s up?
- Everyting criss?
- Hail up – Hi or Hello.
- Yow! –
How do Jamaicans say thank you?
Useful phrases in Jamaican
| Phrase | Jimiekn / Patwah (Jamaican) |
|---|---|
| Sorry | Hush |
| Please | A beg yuh |
| Thank you | Tanks Thenk yuh |
| Reply to thank you |
What is wah gwan?
The phrase ‘Wha gwan’ (whaa gwaan) means ‘what’s going on’ in Jamaican Patois.
How do you say Girl in Jamaican?
How do you say Girl in Jamaica?
- Gyal. Girl. A child that is a female. Patois: Mi hate dat gyal, shes di dawta of ah witch.
- Gyal (Noun) girl. A female child. Patois: Di gyal nuh guh ah skool todeh.
- Gyal (Noun) girl. a young or relatively young woman. a female child.
- Gyal. Girl. Sex which means part of person.
- Gyal (Noun)
What does Rasclat mean?
noun. vulgar slang Caribbean. A despicable or contemptible person; frequently as a term of abuse.
What is the Jamaican word for beautiful?
Criss: Jamaican expression meaning “Pretty;” “fine;” or “okay.”
How do you say goodnight in Jamaican patois?
Note: there is no standard way of spelling Jamaican, and there are different ways of writing many words….Useful phrases in Jamaican.
| Phrase | Jimiekn / Patwah (Jamaican) |
|---|---|
| Good morning (Morning greeting) | Gud mawnin |
| Good afternoon (Afternoon greeting) | |
| Good evening (Evening greeting) | Gud evening Gud evenling |
| Good night | Gud nite |
Why do Jamaicans say hush?
Other English speakers may hear this word and wonder why they’re being told to shut up but for Jamaicans, “hush” is an expression of empathy and/or sympathy. The word is useful in many different situations such as comforting someone who is sick or grieving, or empathizing with someone facing a problem at work.
What is a Gyal?
GYAL is a slang term of West Indian origin, which means “Girl.” It is often used to refer to a girlfriend.
What are some Jamaican phrases?
These are the top Jamaican sayings and phrases to use when you visit Jamaica: ‘Weh Yuh Ah Seh’ ‘Boonoonoonoos’ ‘Small Up Yuhself’ ‘Wah Gwaan’ ‘Irie’ ‘Mi Deh Yah, Yuh Know’ ‘Weh Yuh Deh Pon’ ‘Ya Mon’ ‘Dead Wid Laugh’ ‘ Inna Di Morrows’ ‘Inner Luv’
What languages are spoken in Jamaica?
Jamaica is regarded as a bilingual country where Jamaican English and Jamaican Patois are the most widely spoken languages.
What are some Jamaican quotes?
Put on a smiling face even when you’re hurting. Some sayings that Jamaican use to greet and to say goodbye. “What a gwan” (what is going on) “Wey yu a say” (what are you saying) “Hail” or “Greetings” (hello) “Walk good” (Goodbye)
What are some Jamaican words?
Jamaican Standard English uses many words also used in Jamaican Patois , such as “duppy” for “ghost”; “higgler” for “informal vendor/hawker”; and some terms for Jamaican foods, like “ackee”, “callaloo”, “guinep”, and “bammy”.