Maroon celebrations in Accompong - Trelawney
Out of Many, One People, the motto of Jamaica sums up the racial mix of the Jamaican people. Even though 92% of Jamaica’s residents are of Black African origin. East Indians and African-East Indians make up an estimated 3.4% of the population, while Caucasians represent about 3.2%. Chinese and African-Chinese residents form a little over 1% of the population.
The national language is English, however Jamaican patois is more widespread in everyday usage. Patois is a combination of Spanish, English, Portuguese and African phrases which sounds more rhythmic then traditional English. Most Jamaicans can speak or understand Patois, but it is not a written language. Jamaican speech, even in English, has a distinctive rhythmic and melodic quality.
Though small in size and population, Jamaicans have impacted and influenced the world significantly in the areas of politics (Marcus Mosiah Garvey – Founder of the UNIA), Music (Bob Marley) and sports (Usain Bolt – The fastest man on the planet). Which underscore a Jamaican saying “Wi likkle but wi Tallawah”, which translates roughly to we are very potent despite our small size.
Jamaicans are very emotional people, quick to laugh yet equally quick to anger. Song and Dance is entrench in the daily life of the average Jamaican and the Island has spawned many forms of music inclusive of Mento, Ska and Reggae which enjoys worldwide popularity. Dancing is much a part of the Jamaican lifestyle and popular dance styles are constantly evolving. Some have taken even global popularity example ‘Bogle dance’ and the ‘Dutty Wine’.