Patois a di real voice a di Jamaican people

On February 21, the world celebrated International Mother Language Day, a day dedicated to promoting linguistic diversity and multilingualism.

This year marks the Silver Jubilee Celebration, 25 years since UNESCO first proclaimed the observance to highlight the importance of preserving native languages.

Across the globe, communities use this occasion to reflect on how language shapes identity, culture, and education. But, as Jamaica joins the conversation, we haffi ask wiself – “Wah bout Patois?”

Language is more than just a tool for communication. It is a vessel of history, tradition, and identity. When children are taught in a language they understand, dem pick up di lessons faster, dem participate more, an dem feel more confident.

Studies worldwide show that students learn best when instruction is in their mother tongue – yet many education systems, including Jamaica’s, continue to prioritise a foreign or colonial language over the one most commonly spoken by the population.

Across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, governments are increasingly adopting bilingual or mother tongue-based education policies. Countries like Haiti, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines have already introduced instruction in their native languages alongside international languages like English and French. The results? Higher literacy rates, stronger cultural pride, and improved critical thinking skills.

So, if the world done prove seh mother language inna school mek sense, why Jamaica stilla sidestep Patois?

DI REAL VOICE A DI PEOPLE

For years, debates have raged about whether Jamaican Patois should be recognised as an official language and taught in schools. Some argue that Patois is “broken English”, unsuitable for academic spaces, while others insist that it is a fully developed language with its own grammar, structure, and vocabulary.

Truth be told, Patois a di real voice a di people. It carries the struggles and resilience of our ancestors, from enslaved Africans who fused their native tongues with English to the present-day expressions that define our music, storytelling, and everyday interactions.

Think about it – yuh ever hear reggae music without Patois? Imagine Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ in formal English or Miss Lou delivering poetry in Standard English. Di vibes just wouldn’t be di same!

From di higglers in Coronation Market to di classroom, Patois a nuh jus’ ‘talk’ – it a wi whole identity.

Jamaica’s education system still operates under the belief that English is the only language of progress. But, how can we expect children who grow up speaking Patois every day fi suddenly switch to English fi learn? This language barrier creates a disconnect between home and school, making education feel like a foreign experience.

A study by the Jamaica Language Unit found that students who begin learning in Patois perform better in English later on. The bilingual approach does not weaken English skills – it strengthens them. So, why we still a fight it?

STOP SIDESTEP DI ISSUE

At the heart of this debate lies class, colonial history, and perception. Many Jamaicans still associate English with “intelligence” and “respectability”, while Patois is seen as “ghetto talk”. But language should never be a measure of intelligence or worth. If we can celebrate French in Canada and Spanish across Latin America, why can’t we embrace Patois right yah so?

The truth is, embracing Patois in schools wouldn’t mean replacing English – it would mean giving children the tools to learn effectively and confidently in both languages. Countries like Finland, Nigeria, and South Africa have all successfully implemented multilingual education models. Jamaica can do di same.

As we commemorate this 25th-year of International Mother Language Day, let us not just reflect on the importance of language diversity worldwide but also on our own situation. Jamaica haffi decide if wi really serious bout preserving wi cultural identity. If we continue to sideline Patois, we risk alienating generations of students and losing a crucial part of our heritage.

Is time now fi stop sidestep di issue. We should be having real conversations about integrating Patois into education, recognising it as a national language and giving it di respect it deserves.

If we truly believe in language diversity, equity, and cultural pride, then we must embrace not just English, but di real voice a di Jamaican people.

So di question is … when wi a guh finally mek di step?

Leroy Fearon is the acting dean, Faculty of Education, The Mico University College, author and researcher. Email feedback to: leroyfearon85@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com