Jamaica’s Third Language: Gypsy

Hi everyone!

Yesterday, I posted a survey about cultural attitudes toward Jamaican Patois and Jamaican Standard English. If you already completed it, thank you so much — I truly appreciate your support.

I now have a follow-up survey that still explores Patois and Standard English, but this time it includes Gypsy — Jamaica’s secret or coded language.

I know many Jamaicans may not consider Gypsy a “real language,” often associating it with childhood games . However, that might not be the full story. For example, Vybz Kartel uses Gypsy in songs like “Genie Wine” and “Fever,” showing that it can also serve as a form of communication among adults.

There is very little research on this Jamaican Pig Latin-style language, and as a linguistics major, I believe it’s important to give highlight an underrepresented language within Jamaican culture.

I’ll be sharing: • A link to the survey • A relevant article • The two songs mentioned above

If you’re Jamaican-born and have 5–8 minutes to spare, I would love to have your input. It truly means a lot to me. Thanks again to everyone who completed the first survey — your support has been amazing!

Article: – https://www-jstor-org.queens.ezproxy.cuny.edu/stable/pdf/4168649.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A2c9e5a3378527c0a42116215080b21df&ab_segments=&initiator=&acceptTC=1

Two Songs: – https://youtu.be/TnP587meJCE?si=RNQiedf7rOfVaZYK (Genie Wine)

• https://youtu.be/EHevUUegAb8?si=f62CqxTRbULympeU (Fever, Gypsy language starts at 2:08)

Survey:

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkS5ZRIO7Le5JoPe9xyvR0tAC1qeNUlytBQ1T7lANKLYzCGQ/h