Patwa
Patwa is the Jamaican term for the regional dialect or vernacular language known as patois.
Patwa refers to the vernacular language spoken by the people of Jamaica.
Which one should you use?
In Jamaica, a distinction is often made between Patwa (the vernacular) and Standard Jamaican English (the formal language used in education and government).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Patwa is the colloquial, phonetic spelling of the word "patois" used by locals and within the language itself.
Did you know?
- While Patwa is an English-based creole, it incorporates significant vocabulary from Akan languages spoken in Ghana, reflecting the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
- The term 'patois' is a loanword from French, which originally described the various regional dialects spoken across different parts of France.
- In Jamaica, switching between Standard English and Patwa is a social tool called 'code-switching' used to signal intimacy, solidarity or authority depending on the listener.
Examples in context
- Mi love di sound a Patwa.I love the sound of Patwa.
- Di singer perform inna Patwa.The singer performs in Patwa.
- Yuh can chat Patwa well.You can speak Patwa well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Patwa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
