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Patois

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Patois is a creole language spoken in Jamaica. It is a combination of African languages and English. It has a distinct grammar and phonology, as well as regular grammatic rules. Much Jamaican music is sung in the Patois language, or at least contain Patois words and phrases that may be undecipherable to speakers of American or British English.
Pronunciation: PAH-twah
Also Known As: Jamaican Creole (official linguistics term)
Alternate Spellings: Patwa
Examples:
"Sumody tell mi sey yuh dida talk bout mi!" ("Somebody said that you were talking about me!")

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