Jamaica is the third largest Island in the Caribbean. It is unique in the complex ethnic makeup of its population. Jamaica's cuisine is the product of its diverse cultural heritage and its food tells the story of its people "Out of Many One People". Jamaica's lush tropical landscape offers intense adventure. It vibrates with the rhythms of reggae and is enlivened by the spices of jerk, pepper pot and shimmers with the bright colors of flowers and plants. To envision a picture of Jamaica in your mind is to imagine an Island paradise of steep mountains , the peaks of which are enveloped in the clouds, palm trees swaying in the cool breeze. Beautiful blue lagoons, like jewels - relaxation and holidays with family and friends.

Jamaican Dialect - "Patois"
Fret Not if you see two Jamaicans in dialogue - loud and animated with hands flying all around. Chances are, it is not a disagreement, "Patois" is expressed as much through gesture and drama as tone and rhythm. It is the way a very passionate people share ideas and feelings. Many words and phrases are unique to Jamaica. When in Jamaica you 'nyam' (eat) your 'bickle' (food) and 'labrish' (gossip) with friends. 'Jam' (hang out) on the beach with your 'likkle boonoonoonous' (someone you love) or 'bush-out' (dress up), 'touch di road' (leave your house) and 'go sport' (socialize). In the market you're sure to get 'brawta' (a little extra) with any purchase. Enjoy 'ital stew' (salt-free rastafarian/vegetarian dish) and a good 'reasoning' (discussion) with your Jamaican 'Idren' (friends). 'Skank' (Rock to Reggae music) at a local 'dance' (street party) and drink a 'stripe.well cold' (very cold Red Stripe Beer).

At the end of it all --- "it sweet fi talk".

A few good words to know.

Wha'appen? (What's up?) - Greeting used among friends.

Seen (Yes, I understand / It's OK) - response used in the affirmative or to reassert understanding

Nuff (Plenty) - used to represent volumes.of just about anything; also to describe an overbearing personality eg. "memba fi buy nuff tings" at the craft market (remember to buy lots of things); "how da gyal so nuff?" (why is that girl so overbearing?)

Bashment (Excitement/Party) - used as a noun, adjective, adverb eg. "Mi a go a 'bashment' (I am going to an exciting event), "Im roll up inna one bashment car" (He arrived in an impressive vehicle), "What a bashy piece a outfit yu wearing!" (The outfit you're wearing is gorgeous)

Rhaatid (Wow) - used as an expression, adjective or to intensify eg. " Rhaatid, di gate drop down" (Wow, the gate fell), "she get a rhaatid lick" (she got a bad hit), "A figet di mango to rhaatid" (Oh no! I forgot the mango)

Walk Good - Departing salutation, issued with good wishes (Good-bye, Take care, Safe travel)

Spice
The pimento plant is native to Jamaica and is a major agricultural crop which is exported mainly to Russia, Germany and the U.S.A. The Spaniards named it Pimienta de Jamaica. Today it is widely known as Allspice-a combination of many spices. Pimento is widely used in the meat curing and in the confectionery and food processing industries. Also the berries and the oil distilled from the leaves are commercially valuable.

Ackee
The first ackee tree in Jamaica was planted from a seed brought to the island by the captain of a slave ship in 1778. The fruit is not widely eaten but in Ghana the flowers are used to make a perfume and the seeds are used as a narcotic to catch fish. The seedling was taken to England by Captain Bligh and there the plant was given the botanical name, Blighia sapida. Its original name was 'akye' from Twi language of West Africa.

Mango
The first mango plants introduced into Jamaica were 'captured' on the high seas on their way from the East Indians to the West Indies by Lord Rodney's ship H.M.S Flora in 1782. They were first planted at the private garden at Gordon Town, St. Andrew, belonging to Hinton East. The seedlings were numbered on arrival, eg. the number eleven. The Bombay mango was introduced later in 1868 at Castleton Gardens.

Jamaica
The spelling of "Jamaica" was not standardized until well after the English conquest. Englishmen wrote the word as it sounded: thus we have Gemecoe, Gemegoe, Jamico, Jammaca and Mamecah. It was often spelled Xaymaca. The first map on which Jamaica appears was made by Bartolome Colombo, Christopher's younger brother, to illustrate the Admiral's fourth voyage. He spelled it Jamaicha.

For more Tidbits on Jamaica visit - http://www.visitjamaica.com