Jamaicans primarily speak two languages:
- English is the official language of Jamaica, used in government, business, and education. Jamaican English is influenced by British English in spelling and vocabulary but has distinct pronunciation
- Jamaican Patois (also called Patwa or Jamaican Creole) is an English-based creole language with influences from West African languages, Arawak, Spanish, and others. It is the most widely spoken native language among Jamaicans and is deeply rooted in the island’s culture and history. Jamaican Patois developed during the slave trade as Africans combined English with their native languages. It is widely used in everyday conversation and cultural expression across Jamaica
In summary, while English is the official language, Jamaican Patois is the predominant language spoken by the majority of the population in daily life.
