last edited Dec 11, 2019
Culture and Customs of Jamaica
Location Map of Jamaica
Jamaica
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Arts, Crafts, and Architecture
Arts
Crafts
Architecture
Museums
Customs and Traditions
Local Traditions
Etiquette
Dress and Behavior
Sensitive or Taboo Topics
Languages
While English is the country's official language, Jamaican Creole ("patois" or "patwa") remains the most widely spoken by the population. It derives from English and various African dialects. However, it should not be confused with "Jamaican English", which is a blend of American English, British English, and patois, nor with "Rasta patois", which is Jamaican Creole "customized with a Rasta twist."
As for foreign languages, French is almost entirely absent from the island, unlike Spanish, which has a significant number of speakers.
Glossary
A few local words and expressions useful for travelers to know: