Learning the language

[Ras Walleye]

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.

[sbeth]

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.

[guyingb]

i bought a book some time back, called understanding Patois, expains the origin and the pronunciations, it didnt help yet!!!

[Accompong]

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!)

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!

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