The official language of Jamaica is English, spoken in proper fashion with a Jamaican accent. But the language of everyday is patois (Pat-wa). This musical dialect is a combination of English, Spanish, Portuguese, African phrases and a good dose of Jamaican slang. Spoken in a sing-song style, the result is as exotic as any foreign language. Jamaican patois is a fascinating use of the language. Below are a Jamaican patois phrases you can use to make friends and get you “Speaking Jamaican”. To learn more about “Patois” please see our online dictionary
Mi Fren =Â My Friend
Ketch yuh Layta =Â Catch you Later
Nyam =Â Eat
Ow ole yuh is? =Â How old are you?
Whey yuh a sey =Â How is it going?
Whey yuh name? =Â What is you name?
Ax =Â Ask
Bwoy =Â Boy
Gal =Â Girl
Ello dere =Â Hello there
Fada =Â Father
Mada = Mother
Likkle =Â Little