Patwa ... is it necessary to really communicate? - Jamaica Talk

BlaqBritish · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 04:45 PM

Odd question maybe, but im just wondering.

I really hate to hear those who obviously dont come from JA speaking patwa because it just doesnt sound right to me. Born in the UK, i often cringe with embarrassment when i hear it and its so blatant that it does not come naturally to the person!!!

Anyway, i know first hand people assume i have money there because of my accent, so even though i often look the part (apparently im a 'yardie @ heart' lol ), i wouldnt feel comfortable taking on a language that doesnt come naturally to me.

I havent had any problems with people understanding me so far but if i was there for a long period of time would i need 'fi start chat to people suh?' LOL.

Alex4Ja · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaqBritish

Odd question maybe, but im just wondering.

I really hate to hear those who obviously dont come from JA speaking patwa because it just doesnt sound right to me. Born in the UK, i often cringe with embarrassment when i hear it and its so blatant that it does not come naturally to the person!!!

Anyway, i know first hand people assume i have money there because of my accent, so even though i often look the part (apparently im a 'yardie @ heart' lol ), i wouldnt feel comfortable taking on a language that doesnt come naturally to me.

I havent had any problems with people understanding me so far but if i was there for a long period of time would i need 'fi start chat to people suh?' LOL.

The official language of Jamaica is English.
You will be fine in terms of communicating with locals.

BlaqBritish · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 04:51 PM

Ok, but im thinking when im paying for particular services like hair, nails, markets where there are no set prices ... all the locals might hear is 'CHI CHING' ! lol

Well it will be the longest i would have been in KGN for this year so i guess i'll see.

NativeIslandGal · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 05:04 PM

I find that people just seem to know the difference of when you are new to the island, or know your grounds.
Depends where you go as well, and who you travel with.

Check around with your girlfriends from around there and get an approximate price they pay.

I paid 1300 to get my Nails done in Ochi.

BlaqBritish · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 05:12 PM

Yeh i always check with like my sis in law and others how much they pay. Atleast then i get an idea. I found the girl to do my nails, jus hope she aint left the island yet!

I just feel more comfortable knowing the prices, yet still being able to talk the im used to so not to get the 'tourist' price.

LuvLife · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaqBritish

Ok, but im thinking when im paying for particular services like hair, nails, markets where there are no set prices ... all the locals might hear is 'CHI CHING' ! lol

Well it will be the longest i would have been in KGN for this year so i guess i'll see.

The truth is some of my fellow countrymen WILL see dollar signs when they hear an accent. It's a fact here that there are SOME merchants / higglers who WILL play on the fact that a visitor is ignorant of correct prices. The safest bet to protect yourself would be to travel with a local relative or friend.

Sadly, some 'hungy-belly' yardies can't comprehend that a foreign accent doesn't mean wealth.

Hope my two bits helps.

windypace · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 02:56 AM

Necessary to communicate... NO... but it sure is lovely to listen to.

BlaqBritish · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvLife

The truth is some of my fellow countrymen WILL see dollar signs when they hear an accent. It's a fact here that there are SOME merchants / higglers who WILL play on the fact that a visitor is ignorant of correct prices. The safest bet to protect yourself would be to travel with a local relative or friend.

Sadly, some 'hungy-belly' yardies can't comprehend that a foreign accent doesn't mean wealth.

Hope my two bits helps.

I usually do that, but in the long run when im visiting regularly and for long periods of time i dont always want to have a 'local' accompany me to do everyday things. I think the best i can do is make sure i have a fair idea of prices for things im after ...

chelby · #9 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 08:03 PM

i pay 800 to get my nails done in habour view

IMO and from my experience accents warrant different treatment in tourist places...

kingston is a bit more of a melting pot and for the most part people just go about their business... i've never personally had anyone adjust prices or treatment b/c i'm not jamaican... i'm sure it could happen, but i haven't experienced it, so i can say with some comfort that it's not the norm... as mentioned, just know what the going rates are and don't be shy...

i prefer town over say ochi or negril because there is less of the "tourist hustle"

not really related story that makes me chuckle... was with my kids in island grill in new kgn one day... this group of tourists walk in (speaking another language), they'd obviously been enjoying the beach as they were all still in beach wear (gals with bikini top and short shorts)... well this may go over just fine in Negril or Ochi or even mobay, but NOT in kingston... the first lady who saw them cursed them so bad that i had to remove my children (even tho they likely had no idea what was being said, bless their canadian souls, kids still repeat things too easily!)... ahhhh yup, things are different in kingston..

BlaqBritish · #10 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 06:08 AM

Yup i jus prefer the vibe in town over anywhere else ... but according to some views i shouldnt feel that way being a tourist myself

Karst · #11 (**permalink**) Yesterday, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelby

not really related story that makes me chuckle... was with my kids in island grill in new kgn one day...

The one in the Sovereign Shopping Centre

chelby · #12 (**permalink**) Yesterday, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karst

The one in the Sovereign Shopping Centre

nah... the one on knutsford beside the burger king... if they went in sovereign dressed like that i think I'D cuss them too...

windypace · #13 (**permalink**) Yesterday, 07:42 PM

I think someone trying to hustle you is just part of the experience... don't you? I haven't been to another country yet where they didn't try to hustle me... I call it "bartering"...