Jamaican Patois: Yes we speak English

A close friend of mine shared a story about her experience starting a new job as a caretaker. She said that when she introduced herself to the client and mentioned she was from Jamaica, the client asked her, "Where did you learn to speak English?"

Jamaican Patois

I chuckled at my friend's retelling of the conversation, but I can also see why some people might believe Jamaicans don't speak English. The language can often sound completely different.

Here are some ways to understand Jamaican Patois:

• Ask Questions: If you don't understand something that was said, ask questions. At times, a person speaking Jamaican Patois may repeat themselves and articulate more clearly, which can aid in understanding. Does this method always work? No, it does not.

  
  
  
  

A person deeply engaged in reading a book in a comfortable chair