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Languages Spoken in Jamaica

by Vishal Kumar

Jamaica Language is a reflection of the diversity of the people of Jamaica. The wonderful blend of various races and cultures has affected the languages spoken in Jamaica.

English is the official language of Jamaica.

The most unique of the languages of Jamaica is a dialect formed by the amalgamation of words from many languages with English. It is known as Jamaican Creole or Patois. It is the most widely spoken language of Jamaica. Patois is popular because of the musical lilt and rhythm in the words of the language. It is also used in the lyrics of Reggae, the famous music of Jamaica.

The immigrants from outside Jamaica have brought with them their language as well and languages like Spanish, Irish, Scottish are also spoken. The other two significant languages of Jamaica are Taino (mixed with Spanish) and Arawak, specific to particular regions.

The Jamaican Creole having elements of English is however not easy to understand for outsiders because of the way it is spoken by the Jamaicans.

For more information on Jamaican Languages check out the following:

  • Arawakan Language in Jamaica

    by Vishal Kumar

    Jamaica’s only living indigenous language is Arawakan, which is spoken by the Aboriginal population known as the Taino people. The Tainos called the island “Xaymaca” in their language, meaning the “Land of Wood and Water” or the “Land of Springs”.

  • Creole Language in Jamaica

    by Vishal Kumar

    Jamaican Patois, also known as Patwa and Jamaican Creole is the most widely spoken language in the country. For a long time Creole was the language of the country side and the uneducated but today a vibrant pop culture uses it and it resonates globally.

  • English Language in Jamaica

    by Vishal Kumar

    Jamaican English, including Jamaican Standard English, is a variety of English, native to jamaica and is the official language of the country and it is used in government, media, business and education.

  • Jamaican Slang

    by Vishal Kumar

    Jamaican Slang is an English based creole language with West African influences, spoken primarily in Jamaica. It is spoken by majority of Jamaicans as native language.

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