Influences on the Jamaican Language Patois

The Jamaican language of Patois is a very colorfulonly are there lots of farm animals in Jamaica, but
language. Like some other languages, Patois wordsthere are also a lot of insects as well. An example
and phrases can have one meaning on oneof this is the expression "ting lakka galla whass"
context, while having a completely differentwhich translates to "hurtful like the sting of a
meaning in another. It is similar to french in thatwasp". If you learn the language or spend time
way, which Patois is partially derived from. Therearound it you will definitely hear the references to
are other languages and cultures that have had aanimals. Another example is "faas lakka pouhs"
heavy influence on Jamaican Patois. To of thewhich means "nosy like a cat".
least thought of parts of the culture that haveJamaica is known to be an agricultural society, and
influenced the Jamaican language are animals andtheir economy relies heavily on this. Every year
farming. Both of these have had an impact onthe island exports tons of cash crops. The people
Patois.of Jamaica have very close ties to the land, so it's
With animal farming being quite popular in Jamaica,no wonder it's had an influence on the language.
as it usually is on most islands, it's no wonderThere are many Jamaican phrases that are
there's a heavy impact. Like a lot of otherdirectly related to farming. For example, the
languages, Jamaican Patois references animalssaying "trait lakka yam tik" translates to "straight
quite frequently when speaking figuratively. Notlike a yam pole".