Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
A Good Jamaican Dictionary
Where Can I Get One?
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
Trying to find a good Jamaican dictionary?
Something that can help you translate a few of the words we use... at least you won't be left clueless when we Jamaicans talk right? lol.
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
 |
Well, I suspect there have been many attempts to translate and publish such material, but they are just that, 'attempts'... many of the authors doesn't even fully understand the language themselves!
I have done some research for you though and was lucky to find at least 6 relatively good references, three of them I really like and I think should help you very well:
- Dictionary of Jamaican English
- A book called Understanding Jamaican Patois,
- And another, Jabari Authentic Jamaican Dictionary
None of them can adequately capture all the expressions we use, but I believe they did a good job capturing or explaining some of the most popular terms and slangs.
- The Jabari Jamaican Glossary captures over 3000 clear and concise definitions of Jamaican words and phrases.
Also included are pronunciation guides, variants, usage notes, parts of speech etc. I have a copy that I myself refer to quite often - I love it!
- Emile Adams' Understanding Jamaican Patois is another great resource.
This easy-to-understand introduction to Afro-Jamaican grammar "explains clearly and simply the basics of Jamaican patois. Most importantly I think the book has an important role to play in helping Jamaicans take pride in their language and see that it is not second-class"
(Deborah Pruitt, anthropologist, Berkeley, California). (Foreign Language Studies) - Dictionary of Jamaican English
This is the second edition of the authoritative Dictionary of Jamaican English, first published in 1967.
This edition includes a greatly extended supplement and offers a systematic indexing of the extent to which the lexis is shared with other Caribbean countries: Surinam, Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados, Nicaragua and Belize.
The method and plan of the Dictionary are basically those of the Oxford English Dictionary, but oral sources have been extensively tapped in addition to detailed coverage of literature published in or about Jamaica since 1655
OK, now I've provided you with enough tools, go ahead and learn the language - it will be much easier than you may have guessed.
Plus the new knowledge will come in quite handy especially if you are coming here for a vacation!
Pages Related To Jamaican Dictionary
Don't miss these other related pages about Jamaica below:
And by the way, if you haven't yet done so, make sure you subscribe to my free monthly e-zine My Island Jamaica Digest (MIJD) and stay with the very latest!
Didn't find exactly what you were looking for?
Do a quick search of the entire site.
Return to Profile of Jamaica from Jamaican_Dictionary
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Dictionary
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
5 Things You Can Only Buy In Jamaica
Nov 23, 24 01:26 PM
Discover 5 unique and authentic things you can only buy in Jamaica, from world-renowned Blue Mountain Coffee to handmade Jamaican dolls and local wood carvings. -
101 Medicinal Herbs Of Jamaica- Top Natural Healing Herbs Of Jamaica
Nov 20, 24 09:27 PM
Here they are! The top 101 medicinal herbs of Jamaica. These ancient wonders that have provided effective natural healing from our parents and fore-parents. Ready? -
Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Nov 20, 24 11:50 AM
To marry or not to marry? Once frowned upon, there’s much more leniency for common-law relationships these days. Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage? -
Can Jamaican Black Castor Oil Be Used On Your Face?
Nov 19, 24 05:29 PM
We have long discovered the great benefits of castor oil for our hair. But can Jamaican Black Castor oil be used on your face? -
Jamaica4-H Clubs Embrace Technology to Engage Youth
Nov 16, 24 11:14 PM
The Jamaica 4-H Clubs are taking significant steps to integrate technology into their agricultural initiatives, aiming to captivate and involve more young
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.