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Learn to speak like a Jamaican in three easy steps

Are you dreaming of jetting off to the Caribbean when this extended period of social distancing is over? Why not jump on the armchair travel trend and learn to speak like a Jamaican while you plan for the day you’ll be free to move around again? It’s no secret one of the best ways to immerse yourself in another culture is teach yourself how to communicate with residents in their local lingo.

Below are fun, short instructional videos to help you learn to speak like a Jamaican in three easy steps.

Greetings

In this 1st episode you’ll learn how to greet someone with our Caribbean lilt to your tongue.

Phrases used:

Whah a gwaan?
What’s going on?

How yuh duh?
How are you doing?

Yuh awrite?
Are you okay? As in, you good?

Asking for directions

Now here are two basic ways to ask for directions:

Phrases used:

Weh di [insert name] deh?
Where is the __?

Weh mi can fine __?
Where can I find [insert name of place]

Terms of address

For Lesson 3, we explore common words that are used when speaking to someone you consider a friend or colleague.

Phrases used:

Bredren
Sistren
Paadie
Dups/Doops

Have you ever been to the land of Red Strip beer, and some of the most well-known reggae music and sports icons? Not yet? As soon as it’s safe to travel again, you should go check it out.

Additional links to help you learn to speak like a Jamaican:

The traveler’s Instagram guide to understanding Jamaican slang

11 colorful expressions only a Jamaican would understand

Can armchair travel cure wanderlust? Here are 11 ways to find out.

WHEW. We’re only in the second quarter of 2020 and already the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives completely upside down!  Serious concerns about public health and the need to mitigate the spread of this dangerous disease has led to national, regional and city decrees to stay home. As a result, armchair travel, the art of exploring the world from the comfort of your own couch, is experiencing a powerful rebirth.

Previously perceived as an activity mostly reserved for sedentary individuals, that’s no longer the case. Virtual vacations are now all the rage because they’ve become a lifeline for gloomy travelers practicing self-quarantining and social distancing for the greater good of themselves and mankind.  Of course, nothing beats a real-life destination experience. But with technology and ingenuity, there are still fun ways to cure your wanderlust while you shelter-in-place.

Miffed you had to cancel your last trip? Here are 11 ways to armchair travel your way out of your current travel slump:

1. Sharpen your language skills.

2. Read a bunch of travel-themed books to inspire your next trip.

Find suggestions on how to invoke the ultimate book list envy here: Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, and Mom.com.

3.Join a live cooking demo to learn about regional or global cuisines.

For example, you can head over to @travelsaintlucia for an Instagram LIVE class every Tuesday and Thursday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ZpEbPH8Kv/

4. Take a virtual tour of your fave museum, theme park or zoo.

Are there any museum lovers out there? If so, this is your happy time! Google Arts and Culture has partnered with 500+ museums and galleries to bring you multiple exhibits.

5. Get crafty with destination keepsakes (like seashells).

6. Explore different regions of the world through dance.

7. Binge watch your favorite travel movies or television shows.

Not sure where to find them? Tastes will vary, but these lists from Conde Nast Traveler and The Guardian are great places to start.

8. Picture yourself on a bike in a nature park.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-eln7uhwc1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

9. Check out live beach cams or wildlife scenes for blissful mental escapes.

10. Try out cocktail recipes and reminisce about the great travel stories that accompany them.

https://www.facebook.com/nomadnesstribe/videos/215585989663802/

11. Listen to some podcasts to keep the travel hunger burning.

For Travel + Leisure recommendations: Click here.

For Travelnoire recommendations: Click here.

How do you cope? By creating a diverse global music playlist, putting in ear buds, and blocking out all the anxiety-inducing news? Drop your tips below.

FINAL NOTE: Please adhere to all medical guidelines to stay safe and healthy!