Welcome to our guide on how to say “what” in Jamaican! In the vibrant and lively Jamaican culture, the way people communicate is a unique blend of influences from various languages, primarily influenced by English, West African languages, and local Creole dialects. Jamaican Patois, often referred to as Patwa or Jamaican Creole, is the informal dialect spoken by many Jamaicans.
When it comes to expressing the word “what” in Jamaican, there are different variations depending on the context, formality, and region. Let us explore some formal and informal ways to say “what” in Jamaican, providing you with helpful tips and examples:
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What”
Formal Jamaican English leans towards the standard English language. Although phonetic differences and Jamaican accents may exist, these variations are generally understood by both locals and non-locals. Here are some examples of formal ways to say “what” in Jamaican:
“What” (pronounced as wah)
“Pardon me?”
“I beg your pardon?”
Note: Jamaican English is often influenced by the British English, so responses like “Pardon me?” or “I beg your pardon?” are common formal expressions used to ask someone to repeat or clarify what they have said, similar to other English-speaking countries.
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Jamaican Patois
Jamaican Patois is the informal and widely spoken creole dialect of Jamaica. It beautifully incorporates elements from various West African languages, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The following are informal ways to say “what” in Jamaican Patois:
Variation 1: Weh
Tips: “Weh” is a common way to say “what” in Jamaican Patois. Use it when asking questions or expressing surprise or disbelief.
Examples:
- English: What are you doing? Jamaican Patois: Weh yuh a do?
- English: What happened? Jamaican Patois: Weh gwaan?
- English: What did you say? Jamaican Patois: Weh yuh seh?
- English: What did you see? Jamaican Patois: Weh yuh see?
Variation 2: Waan
Tips: “Waan” is another way to say “what” in Jamaican Patois. It is commonly used when expressing disbelief or surprise.
Examples:
- English: What? Are you serious? Jamaican Patois: Waan? Yuh a seh?
- English: What? That’s amazing! Jamaican Patois: Waan? Dat wicked man!
Variation 3: Whappen
Tips: “Whappen” is derived from “what’s happening?” It is commonly used in Jamaican Patois to ask “what’s going on?” or “what’s up?”.
Examples:
- English: What’s happening? Jamaican Patois: Whappen?
- English: What’s up? Jamaican Patois: Whappen?
Remember, Jamaican Patois is a rich and colorful language, so don’t hesitate to embrace the expressive nature of the dialect while trying to communicate with Jamaican locals. The list above provides a foundation, and by immersing yourself in the language and talking to native speakers, you will pick up more unique expressions and regional slang!
