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Don’t Watch Smile Orange - If You Want to Learn Jamaican Slang
Having watched most of the Jamaican Slang Classics like "Rockers", "The Harder They Come", "Shottas", "Third World Cop" and "Dancehall Queen", I was looking for a Jamaican movie. While at a local Caribbean restaurant, I picked up Trevor Rhone's "Smile Orange".
"Smile Orange" is set in a Jamaican beach hotel and pokes fun at the tourist trade in Jamaica. It focuses on both the visitors and the local Jamaicans. "Smile Orange" is mostly the story of the mischievously slick waiter, super stud, Ringo Smith (played by Carl Bradshaw - "Third World Cop") , who has made a profitable art of servility. Ringo acts as a waiter, lover, teacher and joker. "Smile Orange" is not a movie for someone interested in learning Jamaican Patois/Jamaican Slang. Sadly, even when the Jamaicans speak among themselves, they are largely speaking in Standard English. There are a few scenes of Patois such as when Ringo's mother shows up at the hotel, but for the most part, this is not a film for the student of Jamaican Slang. You are not likely to learn new vocabulary words or new expressions, so as the title of this article says, Don't Watch Smile Orange if You Want to Learn Jamaican Slang. Now, here is the BUT! "Smile Orange" is a great film to understand the side of Jamaican Culture that most people are exposed to, the resort culture. When most people go to Jamaica, they usually stay at resorts in places like Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios. Very few people go to Kingston (sadly). "Smile Orange" shows the way skin complexion plays a role in the positions of power in Jamaican society, the way people from the countryside traditionally have been exposed to a different way of life than those from the cities and what happens when country folks make it to the city, and the interaction of Jamaican men with women from abroad. I've heard many stories of women from Europe, Canada, and The States meeting Jamaican men along the beaches near resorts and having different degrees of romance. "Smile Orange" is the best movie to really see how this uniquely Caribbean dynamic works, so I highly recommend the film if you want to get some insight into Jamaican culture beyond Rastafari, Reggae, Ganja and Crime. Oh, by the way, "Smile Orange" is also a funny movie, so sit back, study and laugh. Ras Zuke is the author of The Rastaman Vibration - The Definitive Source for learning about Jamaican culture, Reggae Music and how to To learn more about Jamaica, Dancehall Reggae, Reggae, Jamaican Culture and how to Speak Jamaican Patois, visit http://www.speakjamaican.com.How Music Can Help You Learn To Speak Jamaican
Music from any country really tends to tell a cultural story in a way. It can be an overlooked form of studying any culture. Or for that matter language. When you listen to music from a country they speak their language and usually speak it more the way it's spoken, as opposed to the way it may be taught. Hopefully that makes sense. Music can be big part in your way to learn to speak Jamaican.
Reggae music, which originated in Jamaica, has a very distinct style. It has a unique rhythm that gives it it's laid back feel. More importantly, for what we're discussing, it gives you a look at the Jamaican language. It gives you a look at the way the language is used in Jamaica. Exposing yourself to reggae can really help you get an ear for the sound of the language. There are lots of great reggae artists out there. The one most people are familiar with is the late, great Bob Marley. He has quite a few really recognizable songs, like "I Shot the Sheriff", "Jammin'" and "No Woman, No Cry". Just listening to a few of his songs really gives you a feel of the Jamaican language. Other artists like Lee "Scratch" Perry, King Tubby, Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh have lots of really great songs that not only can help you learn to speak Jamaican, but really speak of the culture in Jamaica. If you've been thinking about wanting to learn to talk Jamaican it won't hurt to get into the music at all. Like I said, it really helps you get accustomed to it. If you want to find out how you can learn to speak Jamaican, http://www.speakjamaican.com.The Jamaican Language: a Very Brief Introduction
One of the main concerns people have when traveling to Jamaica or any other foreign country is the language. Will they be able to communicate with the natives? Will their vacation be enjoyable if they are unable to seek as the natives do? Are the basics of the language difficult to learn?
In terms of Jamaican language or dialect, I will try to inform you about some of the basics of the language. I am not sure I can tell you how to speak Jamaican, but learning a bit about the language can make communication with a Jamaican a somewhat easier. The Jamaican vocabulary is derived from English and African languages. The Jamaican language is really English but with its own cultural twist or dialect called patois (pronounced "patwah"). I guess patois is the unofficial language while English is the official language of the island. Because of the accents of African descent the language can be sometimes difficult to understand. For the most part the dialect can be deciphered with a bit of knowledge of the culture. Keep in mind as well that Jamaicans are educated with the English Language in school and even though they may not choose to speak the language properly, they understand it and for the most part can speak it well. It is a beautiful dialect which can be heard in anything Jamaican, especially the music. Many people have heard examples of the language through the famous sounds of Bob Marley. The language is such a part of the culture that many of the stories and folklore are communicated in patois. To know more on how to speak jamaican visit http://www.speakjamaican.comTravel to Jamaica - Jamaican Gift Ideas
Someone wondering if you remembered them at all while you were on holiday. Since we haven't yet figured out a way to bottle our sunshine, here are some other ideas for the perfect gift from Jamaica.
Liquor
Naturally you have to think about the recipient - what's good for your 5 year old niece may not be quite the thing for Uncle Joe with the one good eye!
I'm writing primarily for the budget-minded. I am presently unable to think like someone who has money, but hopefully that will change one day soon! Happily, some of the nicest things from Jamaica aren't at all expensive. So while these ideas are value oriented, they should be pleasing to just about anyone who receives them.
Rum - Jamaica is rum country. You can chose from a variety of ages, blends and colors. Our most popular producer is J. Wray and Nephew. Appleton Estate VX is a deliciously smooth, well aged, red rum. I've not come across the casual drinker who doesn't enjoy this one. Another red rum, very enjoyable, but a little less smooth than VX, is Appleton Special. More serious drinkers, or those who want to make rum punch, will enjoy the stronger J. Wray and Nephew Over proof Rum. In Jamaica we call this simply "white rum".
Rum Cream or Liqueur - The ladies may prefer these milder, sweeter drinks. Sangster's Rum Creams (in different flavors) are particularly good.
It's best to buy your alcohol at one of the duty free shops at the airport. It's practically the same price as at local supermarkets, but more conveniently packaged. CDs
Jamaica makes so much good music it's mind blowing. However, not all of the lyrics can be easily understood if you don't speak Jamaican patois. You might want to choose carefully if you want to understand what's being said. Recent CDs by Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Queen Ifrica, Morgan Heritage are a great place to start.
By no means should you discount the dance hall artistes, even if you can't understand all the words. Most of the music is infectious whether you get the words or not! Sometimes the words are blatantly sexual, or somewhat violent, so ask before making your purchase.
For music collectors, classic CDs by Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaac's, Beres Hammond, John Holt, Bob Marley are really good choices. You could also ask for recordings of traditional Jamaican folk songs. Coffee
Visit local supermarkets for Jamaican coffee. Larger supermarkets will have a wider range. Choose from whole or ground beans. Coffee labelled "Blue Mountain" is usually the best quality, having been grown at the highest altitudes. The "High Mountain Coffee" brand, although not Blue Mountain, is a very good brand. Coffee is also available at duty free stores in the airport. Books
If you travel to Jamaica, a visit to a good bookstore can solve many of your gift problems. Jamaican cookbooks for those who like to experiment in the kitchen. Books of Jamaican poetry for those with a poetic soul. Jamaican novels for those who like a good story. Jamaican stories and coloring books for the children. Books on Jamaican culture and lifestyle for those who want to know our island better. When buying books, remember to consider the weight of your suitcase - books can be quite heavy.
Accessories
Accessories like bracelets, earrings, necklaces and anklets have the great advantage of being small and easy to carry. Remember not to buy jewellery made from turtle shell or black coral - these are protected species, and it is illegal to have items made from them. Trendy bags come in all shapes, colors and sizes, made from different materials. Rasta belts and tams are perfect for those who want to look 'rootsy'. Clothes
As much as the T-shirt idea might seem overdone, there are actually a lot of attractive shirts on the market. Jamaican colors (black, green and gold) or Rasta colors (red, green and gold) are easily available. Bob Marley is still a great seller, and there are a lot of great shirts which show the many sides of Bob.
Also popular are Jamaican-colored shorts, flip flops, caps and beach wraps. Or you may like to try some of the more subtle clothing now available in earth tones.
For the kids
In addition to books and clothes, there are traditional cloth dolls, playing cards, small percussion instruments like drums and shakers which make good gifts for children. Some very funky pencils with a dread locked head at one end are cute and inexpensive. Food
Many people enjoy the adventure of tasting food from different cultures. For these people, the supermarket is the perfect place to find something they'll enjoy. Here are a few ideas:
Jamaican Guava Jelly - made from the guava fruit. Delicious on bread or crackers.
Tamarind Balls - for those who like tangy sweets. Made from the flesh of the tamarind fruit rolled with sugar. Jamaican children (and many adults too) adore this.
Banana Chips - the perfect salty snack, made from green bananas! Just as tasty as potato chips, but more nutritious.
Jerk Seasoning/Sauce - those who like to cook can try making their own jerk chicken.
Spicy Sauces - there's a whole range of these, but our Pickapeppa Sauce is outstanding. Mango chutney is really good too. Jamaican Artwork Lookout for authentic Jamaican prints and paintings. These come in a range of prices, depending on the popularity of the artist, and the size and quality of the work. Wood carvings and ceramics are available, but again, you need to think about the weight as well as the packaging for your trip. I hope these gifts ideas will be useful if you do indeed make the great decision to travel to Jamaica. In the event that you do make the trip, be sure to enjoy our wonderful Jamaican culture while you're here. Visit this entertaining and information-packed site about speak jamaican at http://www.speakjamaican.com.Barrington: A Retrospective – Annex Exhibition at the Bank of Jamaica
The second of the two annex exhibitions of the NGJ’s Barrington: A Retrospective (January 8-April 14, 2012) exhibitions is at the Bank of Jamaica. Barrington in the 1970s chaired the Bank of Jamaica’s art acquisitions committee and produced two commissions for the central bank. One is the sculptural installation Trust (1975) which was produced in [...]
Barrington: A Retrospective – Annex Exhibition at the Olympia Art Centre
One of two annex exhibitions to Barrington: A Retrospective (January 8-April 14, 2012) is on view at the Olympia Art Centre. This annex exhibition,which is titled Our African Heritage, presents a specific subset of Barrington’s history painting, where the artist explores our African heritage. This annex exhibition is organized around the massive mural Our Heritage [...]
Hylton Nembhard (1950-2011)
The National Gallery of Jamaica regrets the passing of Jamaican artist Hylton Nembhard (1950-2011). This is our tribute to him, with thanks to Herman van Asbroeck for images of his recent work. Hylton Nembhard (1950-2012) received early training at the Junior Centre of the Institute of Jamaica and later attended the Jamaica School of Art, [...]
The A.D. Scott Collection
For some time now, the NGJ has been refurbishing and reinstalling its permanent collections and in 2010 we started work on the modern Jamaican section, “Jamaican Art: the 20th Century”. We have now continued this process and incorporated into this section a gallery with selections from the A.D. Scott Collection, a major group of donations [...]
Promotional video – Barrington: A Retrospective
Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT THE NGJ! (Photo: Olivia McGilchrist)
Upcoming: Barrington: A Retrospective (January 8-April 14, 2012)
The National Gallery of Jamaica is pleased to present Barrington: A Retrospective, an exhibition of more than 250 paintings, drawings and original prints by Jamaican master artist Professor the Hon. Barrington Watson, OJ. The exhibition is scheduled to open on January 8, 2012 and its main part will be on view at the National Gallery [...]
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Jamaica and its rail road history
Update: June 20, 2011
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The Thirteenth Annual Tea Party
Date: Sunday, July 10,2011
Time: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Place: Beverly Hills Country Club, 3084 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90064.
Tickets:$55.00
RSVP: by July 2nd to Dorothy Mcleod at 323.692,0423 or dorothy@jamaicaculture.org
Special Guest: Actor/Comedian: Rawle D. Lewis of Cool Runnings fame Read More »
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Caribbean American International Festival
Update: April 16, 2011
Celebrating Caribbean heritage month at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Amphitheathre, Eisenhower Park East Meadow Long Island & Saturday, June 18, 2011 Download PDF »
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Guest Editorial: Professor Saine Uncovers A New Jamaica
January 27, 2011
Jamaica: Not as seen on Western News Media. Read More » View Source »
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A little walk down Jamaica's Memory Lane
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20th Annual Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival 2010 "JAZZ-THE-REAL-DEAL"
June 12-20,2010
The 20th Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival is being staged by the Sonny Bradshaw Foundation, Myrna Hague being one of three directors, as its major fund-raising event. The intention is to raise money to support young musicians, preferably trumpeters, who are serious about their craft. Both the foundation and the 2010 staging of the festival will be launched on April 28. Read More »
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Sonny Bradshaw: "dean" of Jamaican music
October 16,2009
Sonny Bradshaw deserved fully the names “dean of Jamaican music” and the “musician’s musician” by which he was widely known. Although he is associated mainly with the trumpet, Bradshaw also played the piano, clarinet, trombone and saxophone, and was a noted composer, arranger, producer, radio broadcaster and music journalist, creator of commercials and a teacher. He was awarded his country’s Order of Distinction for his contribution to Jamaican music. Read More »
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Rex Nettleford- Guardian of our crossroads
February 10,2010
The first time I met Rex Nettleford was when he came to our Kingston high school in 1968, around the time of the Rodney uprising, to speak to our sixth form about black power. I don't remember what he said, because I didn't understand it. Read More »
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Icon lost -Mr. Golding and Mrs. Simpson Miller mourn Nettleford
February 3,2010
Jamaica lost one of its most revered cultural figures last night when Professor Rex Nettleford, vice-chancellor emeritus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and founder of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), died, just hours before he would have celebrated his 77th birthday. Read More »
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RIP REX- Cultural icon Prof. Nettleford dies in US
February 3,2010
PROFESSOR Rex Nettleford, one of Jamaica's brightest sons and a cultural icon, died in the George Washington University Intensive Care Unit last night, six days after he collapsed in his hotel room in Washington and four hours before his 77th birthday. Read More »
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Albert Hie is dead
February 1,2010
JAMAICAN master painter Albert Huie died in Baltimore, Maryland yesterday after a long illness. He was 89. Read More »
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Jamaica Music Museum- a sample of what can be
Janurary 17,2010
Herbie Miller stands near the middle of Jamaica's musical chronology in words, images and artefacts along the side of a partition at the Institute of Jamaica, downtown Kingston, and said "I like to call this our 22 yards of Jamaican music history." Read More »
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Non-exclusionary approach taken to museum, Dermott Hussey donates entire collection
January 17,2010
The last and latest Jamaican music genre in the mini-exhibition on Jamaican music is dancehall. It is written that "perhaps the most controversial and polarising genre of Jamaican music, dancehall, currently dominates the island's musical landscape" Read More »
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The Story of George Stiebel, Jamaica first black millionaire
There was every indication at a very early stage that George Stiebel was destined to lead an intriguing life. Read More »
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Portland's love story
November 14,2009
Patrice Wymore Flynn has two great loves: her late husband, the actor Errol Flynn, and her adopted home, Portland. Read More »