Languages Spoken
Food
Regarded as a bilingual country, two major languages are used by the population. Jamaican Standard English (JSE or SJE) is used in all domains of public life (govt, legal system, media, education). Primary spoken language is English-based creole called Jamaican Patois (or Patwa). In a 2007 survey, 17.1% of the population only spoke JSE, 36.5% only spoke Patois, and up to 90% could speak both.
Wide variety of seafood, meat, and tropical fruits
Popular dishes:
Ackee and saltfish
Curry goat
Jerk chicken (made with popular spicy jerk spice)
Fried dumplings
Steamed cabbage
"Rice and peas" (rice and kidney beans)
Rugby
Cricket
Track and field
Netball (popular for women)
Football (soccer)
Horse-racing
Basketball
Chess
Common Sports Played
