Language: English and Patois 

What exactly is Patois?

Although the official language of Jamaica is English, many Jamaicans speak Patois in their everyday casual conversation. Patois is an English-based creole language with strong West African influence emerging from the country’s colonial past. The term Patoisis from Old French which means “local dialect”.

Learn a few words in patois:

• Wah gwaan? - What’s up? 
• Big up, Respect- Well done 
• Likkle more - See you later 
• Zeen -I understand
• Bredren (male), Sistren (female)- Friend
• Mi Soon Come- I will be right back/there