The language. The roots. The vibes.

What is Jamaican Patwa?

Patwa—also called Patois or Jamaican Creole—is a language with its own sounds, grammar, and ways of expressing the world.

Rooted in Jamaica’s history

Jamaican Creole developed through contact between English and West African languages during Jamaica’s colonial history. Its vocabulary and grammar reflect that history, and the language continues to evolve through everyday conversation, music, and storytelling.

Read more from the University of the West Indies.

More than a collection of slang

Patwa has patterns and rules. You might hear mi for “I” or “me,” dem for “they” or “them,” and nyam for “eat.” The meaning of a whole sentence depends on how its words work together.

One island, plenty of voices

People use different forms of Jamaican Creole and Jamaican English in different settings. Pronunciation and spelling can vary. Listen to speakers, pay attention to context, and enjoy learning a likkle at a time.