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Jamaica Vacation |
Jamaican Culture
Whether they are the descendants of the colonists or recent immigrants from the Middle East, people of all nationalities live and work together in Jamaica. Cultures have been mingling on Jamaica shores for hundreds of years. This mixture in Jamaica culture inspires pride and is also the source of Jamaicans' characteristically brassy banter. The Taíno, who inhabited Jamaica long before European discovery, also left behind a cultural history.
It is not uncommon to find people of all ethnic backgrounds in Jamaica, and the islanders are comfortable with their outward racial differences because they know this is part of what makes their Jamaica culture unique. Language is another way in which Jamaica culture demonstrates its melding of many different cultures. Although Jamaica’s official language is English, many of its residents speak with their own linguistic style. There are even differences from village to village. The main components of Jamaica's language are Spanish, African, English—including Irish, British and American idioms—and even Rastafarian. In Jamaica you might hear your shoes referred to with the Spanish word, “zapatos,” and you might talk about where to “nyam,” an African word meaning “eat.” However, you may also hear terms you’re more familiar with, like “cool” and “Irie.” The language also has roots in slavery, as the slaves found ways to combine the language of their owners with their own African tongues. Jamaica culture is also richly flavored by its cuisine. The aromatic spices of the Caribbean have allowed the island's kitchens to create one of the most unusual fusions of flavors in the world. Most popular on the menu is jerk, a marinade that can be added to almost anything, but usually meat. The spicy sauce includes many of the island’s native ingredients. Seafood is also prevalent on the island, but most truly Jamaican dishes, which intimidate most visitors, include cow foot stew and goat's head soups. |
Jamaica Culture |
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