All Things Jamaican

Vacationing in Jamaica is one of those life experiences that you relish over and over again. Even long after the trip, there will be instances when you smile for reasons that only you know.

I encourage all of you to take the plunge and experience Jamaica from all points east, west, north and south!

One of the many things that makes us unqiue as Jamaicans is our language. Though not officially recognized by the Jamaican government - speaking "Jamaican" is something that every one from the island does.

Also known as "patois" our specific Jamaican version is deep rooted in the ability to be free and express ourselves in ways that empower us, set us apart from the rest of the world and unifies us on Jamaican people.

Recently I was in a Jamaican restaurant in Minneapolis, and I saw a man walk in. I did not know him at all, but just hearing him order his food in "Jamaican" gave me a sense of pride as well as a familiar comfort that made me realize that I was not that far from home.

Many poeple from other cultures are always intrigued with the language, squeeling "say this in Jamaican" or say that in Jamaican". They love our dialect and I have know many Americans who so love the culture that they even go as far as telling people that they are Jamaicans.

Our language and by extension, culture is often imitated--but it can never be duplicated.

Chat bout!