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
