Language and Culture
Language – spoken and written symbols used by people in a shared culture to communicate. It is a very dynamic tool possessed by humans only. There are thousands of languages used by different peoples all over the world. English is the recognized language of Jamaicans. It is the language of education, commerce, the professions, industry, and travel. All Jamaicans are expected to use this language when in formal situations.There is another language, however, that is spoken in Jamaica. This is the Jamaican Creole known locally as ‘Patois.’ This language is innate to the majority of Jamaicans, and no formal learning is required for people to speak it. This uniqueness makes this lingua the ‘mother tongue’ of Jamaicans. However, it is mostly used in informal situations.
If a survey were to be carried out throughout the island it would reveal that ‘Patois’ is the language used by nearly 90% of Jamaicans, especially among the youths, and elderly people. The language used in a community, however, often reflects the culture and way of thinking that exists among the populace. To an independent observer, Jamaica has a distinctive culture but socialization among the peoples often distinguishes itself in the language used by residents in a community.
This is primarily due to a class system existing among the people. Jamaicans either belong to the upper class, the middle class, or the lower class. Communities that fall in the upper and middle classes are usually inhabited by affluent peoples, and one would find that a certain ‘high culture’ exists among these peoples. The sustained use of English Language and their behaviour patterns usually separate them from the greater percentage of Jamaicans, who live less lavishly, and are members of the lower class. They are constant users of the Jamaican Creole, and their behaviour patterns are distinct form those in the upper and middle classes. They are continuous users of Patois are not members of the high culture but belong to the ‘popular culture’ of the society.
This kind of culture or class distinction speaks to a kind of stratification of culture, with high culture connotating some superiority over popular culture. Those belonging to the popular culture cannot partake in high culture, but those in high culture can take part in the popular culture. This is mainly because the language of the popular culture is Patois and nearly every Jamaican is born with the ability to use the Creole. The popular culture also includes certain elements that comprise the overall Jamaican culture, for example Reggae and Dancehall music, foods such as the National Dish, (Ackee and Saltfish) Jerk Pork, Jerk Chicken, Stewed Peas, and other foods consumed by all Jamaicans.
Culture changes regularly in Jamaica and more people who belong to the popular culture take advantage of educational opportunities. As they learn their behaviour change, and they are able to successfully manipulate behaviours said to be uniquely ‘high cultured.’ Education also enables less affluent Jamaicans to become bilingual and are able to ‘code switch’ that is change from the English Language to the Patois as the pragmatics of language may require. Schooling also allows Jamaicans in the popular culture group to compete with their high cultured counterparts who may study in France or Spain since Spanish and French are offered at the secondary level of the education system. Spanish is compulsory for all students at this level. A large Chinese population also allows the Chinese language to be slowly gaining popularity in many communities.
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