I have always been interested in patois. Any good books on the subject and how to learn it?
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I have always been interested in patois. Any good books on the subject and how to learn it?
drink overproof and listen real good......:)...maybe play poker and pay attention will help, it did me!
Too funny. I am making an attempt this reach to learn some more. Also, read Banana Shout as there is a fair amount in that book and you can pick some up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rambo
I've been traveling to Jamaica for 14 years. I've been with a Jamaican born woman for 9 years and married to her for 5. I've listened intently while on the island and when she calls home to family. And while I have picked up a fair amount rest assured, you will only understand as much as the speaker wants you to understand:)
Although it is fun to surprise someone when they don't think you understand.
When I was there a few years ago there was a book in a store at the airport that included lots of common words and phrases. I wish I had picked it up!
for a really fast lesson....dont pay a beach vendor.....:)
(just kiddin, they work their butt off)
They speak a different language in Jamaica? Who knew....
Okay - I had to go see if I could find it and it is available on amazon. It looks like it has some mixed reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-...58/ref=lh_ni_t There is another book on amazon that looks more complete but it is $50. Maybe a used copy could be found (looks like used it can be about $30). It's called Dictionary of Jamaican English.
i bought a book some time back, called understanding Patois, expains the origin and the pronunciations, it didnt help yet!!!
IF you are serious, and would like to sign up with a local who can coach you in a very natural organic sort of way, shoot me a PM. Sessions with the person who offers this service occur over lunch (which you buy) and are pretty cheap and educational as you learn also about certain cultural no-no's and things to do. I think she charges about 15 or 20 bucks, plus lunch, and you have to do 3 sessions minimum.Quote:
Originally Posted by FATRAT
Books are fine but there is a cadence and rhythm to patwa which needs to be heard. There are also dialects within patwa as well, but I don't think the casual learner needs to worry to much about that. To me it's just awesome to hear people move beyond "likkle" and "bokkle."
LMAO. Planned to do all of that anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rambo
the words and tempo vary from area to area, sometime easy to understand sometimes hard..in anger it gets very hard...then toss in words that even if you understand what they said completely, you still dont know what "that" word means?.....and the patois even changes with the year..as does our slang.....some mean "hip" to be cool....some say it for a "large" woman.....
just ask them first to slow down, you will be saying it in a day..of course you must spend time with them, not talking to other tourists all the time :)
some...... after our years of going we still dont get it all.....maybe 'cause we aint supose to?
its fun really...
just making sure you saw this, since the thread flipped to a new page.Quote:
Originally Posted by FATRAT
IF you are serious, and would like to sign up with a local who can coach you in a very natural organic sort of way, shoot me a PM. Sessions with the person who offers this service occur over lunch (which you buy) and are pretty cheap and educational as you learn also about certain cultural no-no's and things to do. I think she charges about 15 or 20 bucks, plus lunch, and you have to do 3 sessions minimum.
Books are fine but there is a cadence and rhythm to patwa which needs to be heard. There are also dialects within patwa as well, but I don't think the casual learner needs to worry to much about that. To me it's just awesome to hear people move beyond "likkle" and "bokkle."
If you seriously want to learn, strike up a conversation with a Jamaican, and get to know them.
I found this on You Tube. it may help you to learn a few phrases .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=LV0rKGIcw_4
good luck ; )
Another YouTube link - I found this during the worst of my P.N.S. as I was trying to find ways to alleviate the symptions. This is a whole series of lessons on the basics of patois.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/wb3o9BxFSFo
I learned through listening to the music, reggae radio stations, spending time in Jamaica and we now have a pretty large population of Jamaicans where I live. I rarely speak it unless with close friends, but I sing it well (kind of like a British person will pick up Elvis' twang after many years of singing his tunes).
Patois is a dialect and not a language. Kind of like I live in Florida part of the year and people are coming with the "Shure nuff" and "Ya'all" stuff but it is still English (though not what someone from England would call GOOD English!) :cool:
Like Goldilocks, i have picked it up mostly listening to the music and Kingstonian Patois is much different than St. Elizabeth Patois and so on. My best friend, Marshall, once said.... "If you can't understand what someone is saying then it might be best to just smile; excuse yourself and walk away as Jamaicans speak English."
The Patois in Accompong Town is not only different but it is riddled with African words and dialect. I seem to have very little trouble in understanding what is being said to me but for me to chat it back in a less than efficient manner is fruitless. I think the Maroons get a kick out of me trying though! :p
All someone has to do is look at you and know you are not a Jamaican so why would it be so important to try to talk like one??
Peace and Guidance
Most ppl of a contry find it endearing when a visitor tries/makes an effort to learn their language. Nuttn wrong with trying to learn a language. How can the effort be seen as negative? Most ppl trying to learn a language feel silly ...but there is no shame in it.
when in Rome........
learning any dialect or language in addition to one's own, adds to one's ability to communicate and more fully immerse, when in cultures other than one's own. After living around west indians pretty nearly all my life, and spending so much time in JA and other parts of the caribbean, i understand most patwa, and can speak it as well, although i typically don't speak that way on an everyday basis. but when in jamaica, among good friends, it adds better understanding to our conversations when we can all speak the same way. they feel more at ease with me, and i can participate in the conversation much more fully & easily. in general, i feel that speaking as many different languages and dialects as possible, adds to the enjoyment of traveling, and of life in general -
thumbs up Rambo and Ms Blue ... yu said it all ..
Many nights when I dream about Jamaica it's in patios.
heheheh , Capt'n Das wen yu know yu are fluent !! No doubt about dat !
it's when people start making up their own that it gets me lol.
No kidding ackee!! Captain is truly part Jamaican!! LOL I always adore hearing him speak in fluent patios. Amazing!!! I always try to learn a likkle every time mi reach...out of respect to an island that I truly adore! I am truly a novice even after 26 trips. But, I try, that's the best I can do. Miss Blue has it right..it adds to enjoyment of traveling and life. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by ackee