Jamaica is known for its unique tradition and vibrant music scene, though the island nation also has its own distinct way of speaking.
One term that you may know while listening to reggae music or even while going to Jamaica is “wah gwaan” But what does it mean?
Wah Gwaan Meaning
“Wah gwaan” is a Jamaican patois phrase which may be interpreted to mean “what’s going on?” or “what’s happening?”. It is a casual greeting comparable to “how are you?” or “what’s up?” in American English. However, it can also be employed as a means to ask for an update or to inquire about someone’s well-being.
The Origins of Jamaican Patois
Jamaican patois, likewise referred to as Jamaican Creole, is a dialect of English that’s been heavily affected by African languages, as well as Spanish, Portuguese, along with any other European languages.
It was created during the 17th century when enslaved Africans have been brought to Jamaica to work on plantations.
These enslaved Africans have been forced to speak English, but they also brought their own languages and cultural customs with them.
As a result, Jamaican patois emerged as a unique combination of these different cultures and languages.
Jamaican patois goes on to evolve and change, and it’s still widely spoken in Jamaica today. It is also commonly used in Jamaican music, especially in reggae and dancehall.
This means that in case you’re a fan of these genres, you might come across much more Jamaican patois phrases like “wah gwaan” in the lyrics.
Using “Wah Gwaan” in Context
As mentioned previously, “wah gwaan” can be utilized as an everyday greeting comparable to “how are you?” or “what’s up?” in American English.
For instance, if you had been to encounter a friend on the road in Jamaica, they could greet you with “wah gwaan, mi bredda?” which results in “what’s going on, my brother?”
Nevertheless, “wah gwaan” can also be used in various other contexts. For example, if you are inside a meeting or a team discussion, somebody might ask “wah gwaan” to inquire about the current topic of discussion.
Furthermore, if someone is running late, they might use “wah gwaan” to ask what’s causing the delay.
Understanding Jamaican Patois
In case you are planning to check out Jamaica or perhaps if you are a fan of Jamaican music, it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of Jamaican patois.
While it may take a little time to be fluent in the dialect, learning a few key phrases as “wah gwaan” is able to enable you to navigate conversations and better understand the culture.
It’s also important to be aware that Jamaican patois can vary based on which part of Jamaica you are in.
For instance, the patois spoken in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, differs from the patois spoken in outlying areas. Furthermore, the patois spoken by older Jamaicans may be different from that spoken by younger generations.
Conclusion
“Wah gwaan” is an adage that you’re likely to hear while visiting Jamaica or paying attention to Jamaican music.
It is a casual greeting which may be translated to “what’s going on?” or “what’s happening?” Though it also can be used in various other contexts.
Knowing the fundamentals of Jamaican patois is able to enable you to navigate conversations and better understand the lifestyle.