Patois: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฏ๐ฒ
patois
[หpatwษห ]
Definition
Jamaican culture
Patois is a creole language spoken in Jamaica, with influences from English, Spanish, African languages, and Arawakan languages. It is the language of everyday communication for many Jamaicans.
Synonyms
Jamaican Creole, Jamaican Patois.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| patois |
Again used to refer to any non-standard, regional dialect, but it can also refer to Jamaican Patois if the context is clear.
|
| Jamaican Creole |
Specifically refers to the Creole language spoken in Jamaica, emphasizing its linguistic structure which combines elements of English with African languages and influences from other languages.
|
| Jamaican Patois |
Commonly used to refer to the dialect spoken in Jamaica, merging Jamaican culture and identity. It's often used in an informal or cultural context to emphasize the local speech of everyday Jamaicans.
|
Examples of usage
- Patois is commonly used in reggae music lyrics.
- Tourists often enjoy learning a few phrases in Patois during their visit to Jamaica.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the French 'patois', referring to local dialects and originally implied non-standard speech.
- In the Caribbean, 'patois' specifically refers to Creole languages that blend English with African languages and Indigenous speech.
- The term is often used to describe informal, rural, or uneducated speech but can carry cultural pride among speakers.
Cultural Significance
- In Jamaica, the patois known as Jamaican Patois incorporates English words with a distinct pronunciation and vocabulary, reflecting the island's diverse heritage.
- Patois can be a powerful symbol of identity and resistance, showing the history and culture of the people who use it.
- Musicians and artists often employ patois in their work, making it popular in reggae and dancehall music.
Linguistics
- Patois can include elements of grammar and syntax that differ markedly from standard English, often incorporating rhythmic and poetic forms.
- Linguists study patois languages to understand language evolution and the blending of cultures, showcasing how they adapt to social contexts.
- Patois languages can be fully functional and expressive, proving that they can support intricate literature and storytelling.
Literature and Media
- Authors like Claude McKay and Jean Rhys have incorporated patois in their works, adding authenticity to their characters' voices.
- Films and television shows sometimes use patois to represent characters' backgrounds, bringing attention to cultural diversity.
- Internet memes and social media have popularized patois phrases, bringing them into mainstream communication and popular culture.
Social Dynamics
- Patois can reflect social status and educational background, influencing how speakers are perceived in formal settings.
- Some speakers choose to switch between standard language and patois depending on their audience, a practice known as code-switching.
- Outside the Caribbean, many communities use their versions of patois, showcasing global linguistic diversity and identity.
Translations
Translations of the word "patois" in other languages:
๐ต๐น patois
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคเฅเคเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Dialekt
๐ฎ๐ฉ patois
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะฐััรก
๐ต๐ฑ patois
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใฏ
๐ซ๐ท patois
๐ช๐ธ patois
๐น๐ท lehรงe
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฐฉ์ธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุฌุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ patois
๐ธ๐ฐ patois
๐จ๐ณ ๅ่ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ patois
๐ฎ๐ธ patois
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะฐััะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแฃแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ patois
๐ฒ๐ฝ patois
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #29,631, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 29628 brassy
- 29629 sere
- 29630 absconding
- 29631 patois
- 29632 ashlar
- 29633 mutational
- 29634 odometer
- ...