Introduction
English Language
September 11, 2022
Topic: Our Personal I identity
Subtopic: Jamaican Standard English and Jamaican Creole
Hello, students today you will learn about "Our Personal Identity." We will examine the JSE- Jamaican Standard English and the JC- Jamaican Creole.
Definitions
Jamaican English, or Standard Jamaican English, is the variety spoken by more than 2 Mio speakers of English in Jamaica. It is the official language of Jamaica, recognised by the constitution, and used in all official domains.
Jamaican Patois, known locally as Patois (Patwa or Patwah) and called Jamaican Creole by linguists, is an English-based creole language with West African influences.
Activity
Choose a verse from one of your favourite songs and translate it. If it is in Standard Jamaican English translate it to Patois and if it is in Patios translate it to Standard Jamaican English.
Task
Please watch the video below and answer the questions that follow.
1.Which languages did you hear coming out in the video?
2.Did both parties understand each other?
3. How often do you speak Jamaican Creole?
4. Based on the video, do you think that Jamaican creole is inferior to Jamaican Standard English?
Process
Evaluation
Please see the poem below. Read it and compare it to the one in your google classroom.
NEW SCHOLAR
By Louise Bennett
from Speech Anhology, JCDC 2011.
Good mahnin, Teacher — ow is yuh?
My name is Sarah Pool.
Dis is fi-me li bwoy Michal
An me just bring him a school.
Him bawn one rainy day, ma'am, it
Was comin awn to night —
Ugly baby grow pretty fi true,
For dis one was a sight.
Him bawn de week when Rufus
Jack-fruit tree did start fi bear,
Is dat same mont Oby pig dead
— But me figat de year.
We call him Mi, Mike, Mikey,
Jay, Jakey, Jacob, Jack,
But him right name is Michal Jaco'b
Alexander Black.
No treat him rough, yaw, Teacher;
Him is a sickly chile:
As yuh touch him hard him meck nize'
Some people seh him pwile.
Teck time wid him yaw teacher-
If him rude an start fi rave
Dis beat annoder bwoy , an him
Wi frighten an behave.
For nuff time when him rude a yard
An woan hear at all
Ah jus beat de bed-poas hard, mah,
An yu waan fi hear Jack bawl!
Now dat yuh know hi, lickle ways
Ah not havin no fear
Dat anyting wi mel him, so
Ah lef him in yu care.
Were you able to read and understand the poem?
Conclusion
In conclusion, both languages are unique and have their place in today's society. We must feel free to express ourselves and find our true identity as a people.