The island country of Jamaica lays amid the Caribbean Sea. With a long-standing history and fascinating background, Jamaica has become a highly sought-after holiday destination and talking point for many.
With a population of 2.73 million, Jamaica is a highly populated country- but what languages are spoken throughout the vibrant region? What is the official dialect for Jamaican citizens?
Jamaica is deemed as a bilingual country, with the languages spoken to this day reflecting on its history, such as British colonisation. Each language spoken pays homage to the rich cultural diversity it beholds.
Jamaican English
Jamaican English is the country’s official language. With a strong influence from British English, the Jamaican variation shares ample similarities. After the British colonisation period, English speaking became the norm and remains intact to this day. Figures show us that the language is only spoken by 50,000 Jamaicans; speaking of Jamaican English is typically associated with high social class and extensive achievement.
The dialect is commonly used in formal settings such as the media and the government.
Jamaican Patois
The most spoken language throughout Jamaica, Jamaican Patois is sometimes also known as Jamaican Creole. The language is a form of English creole which derived during the slave trade. The language evolved when slaves combined their native languages with English- resulting in a new dialect. Patois became particularly prevalent after Jamaican independence and was considered a symbol of heritage and culture.
Interestingly, Jamaican Patois is a spoken language as a pose to a written one. The language is often expressed in a rhythmic way which explains its strong affiliation with reggae music. Patois is often the first language of Jamaican natives until they become exposed to English when entering educational settings. This explains why Jamaica is considered a bilingual country.
Immigrant languages
Jamaica is known for being home to large number of immigrant populations. Some of the area’s migrants arrive from include Europe, North America, and Asia. This means a combination of foreign languages are rife in the country, including Chinese, Arabic and Spanish.
The Arawakan Language
Arawakan is the only native language that is not endangered in Jamaica. The Tanio people are a minute population of Aboriginal people known to speak to language. Arawakan has actually been known to have influenced Jamaican Patois.
Final thoughts
It is clear that Jamaica is a country with a long history. Its languages spoken today have been strongly influenced by its history involving Britain. Creole in particular pays a vital part in the daily living of Jamaican people, acting as the main language for the majority of the population.
Should you require a Jamaican Patois interpreter or translator, visit Crystal Clear Translation for a quote.
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