Having watched most of the Jamaican Slang Classics like "Rockers", "The Harder They Come", "Shottas", "Third World Cop" and "Dancehall Queen", I was looking for a Jamaican movie. While at a local Caribbean restaurant, I picked up Trevor Rhone's "Smile Orange".

"Smile Orange" is set in a Jamaican beach hotel and pokes fun at the tourist trade in Jamaica. It focuses on both the visitors and the local Jamaicans. "Smile Orange" is mostly the story of the mischievously slick waiter, super stud, Ringo Smith (played by Carl Bradshaw - "Third World Cop") , who has made a profitable art of servility. Ringo acts as a waiter, lover, teacher and joker.

"Smile Orange" is not a movie for someone interested in learning Jamaican Patois/Jamaican Slang. Sadly, even when the Jamaicans speak among themselves, they are largely speaking in Standard English. There are a few scenes of Patois such as when Ringo's mother shows up at the hotel, but for the most part, this is not a film for the student of Jamaican Slang. You are not likely to learn new vocabulary words or new expressions, so as the title of this article says, Don't Watch Smile Orange if You Want to Learn Jamaican Slang.

Now, here is the BUT! "Smile Orange" is a great film to understand the side of Jamaican Culture that most people are exposed to, the resort culture. When most people go to Jamaica, they usually stay at resorts in places like Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios. Very few people go to Kingston (sadly). "Smile Orange" shows the way skin complexion plays a role in the positions of power in Jamaican society, the way people from the countryside traditionally have been exposed to a different way of life than those from the cities and what happens when country folks make it to the city, and the interaction of Jamaican men with women from abroad.

I've heard many stories of women from Europe, Canada, and The States meeting Jamaican men along the beaches near resorts and having different degrees of romance. "Smile Orange" is the best movie to really see how this uniquely Caribbean dynamic works, so I highly recommend the film if you want to get some insight into Jamaican culture beyond Rastafari, Reggae, Ganja and Crime. Oh, by the way, "Smile Orange" is also a funny movie, so sit back, study and laugh.

Ras Zuke is the author of The Rastaman Vibration - The Definitive Source for learning about Jamaican culture, Reggae Music and how to To learn more about Jamaica, Dancehall Reggae, Reggae, Jamaican Culture and how to Speak Jamaican Patois, visit http://www.speakjamaican.com.

Music from any country really tends to tell a cultural story in a way. It can be an overlooked form of studying any culture. Or for that matter language. When you listen to music from a country they speak their language and usually speak it more the way it's spoken, as opposed to the way it may be taught. Hopefully that makes sense. Music can be big part in your way to learn to speak Jamaican.

Reggae music, which originated in Jamaica, has a very distinct style. It has a unique rhythm that gives it it's laid back feel. More importantly, for what we're discussing, it gives you a look at the Jamaican language. It gives you a look at the way the language is used in Jamaica. Exposing yourself to reggae can really help you get an ear for the sound of the language.

There are lots of great reggae artists out there. The one most people are familiar with is the late, great Bob Marley. He has quite a few really recognizable songs, like "I Shot the Sheriff", "Jammin'" and "No Woman, No Cry". Just listening to a few of his songs really gives you a feel of the Jamaican language. Other artists like Lee "Scratch" Perry, King Tubby, Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh have lots of really great songs that not only can help you learn to speak Jamaican, but really speak of the culture in Jamaica.

If you've been thinking about wanting to learn to talk Jamaican it won't hurt to get into the music at all. Like I said, it really helps you get accustomed to it. If you want to find out how you can learn to speak Jamaican, http://www.speakjamaican.com.

One of the main concerns people have when traveling to Jamaica or any other foreign country is the language. Will they be able to communicate with the natives? Will their vacation be enjoyable if they are unable to seek as the natives do? Are the basics of the language difficult to learn?

In terms of Jamaican language or dialect, I will try to inform you about some of the basics of the language. I am not sure I can tell you how to speak Jamaican, but learning a bit about the language can make communication with a Jamaican a somewhat easier.

The Jamaican vocabulary is derived from English and African languages. The Jamaican language is really English but with its own cultural twist or dialect called patois (pronounced "patwah"). I guess patois is the unofficial language while English is the official language of the island. Because of the accents of African descent the language can be sometimes difficult to understand. For the most part the dialect can be deciphered with a bit of knowledge of the culture. Keep in mind as well that Jamaicans are educated with the English Language in school and even though they may not choose to speak the language properly, they understand it and for the most part can speak it well.

It is a beautiful dialect which can be heard in anything Jamaican, especially the music. Many people have heard examples of the language through the famous sounds of Bob Marley. The language is such a part of the culture that many of the stories and folklore are communicated in patois. To know more on how to speak jamaican visit http://www.speakjamaican.com

Someone wondering if you remembered them at all while you were on holiday. Since we haven't yet figured out a way to bottle our sunshine, here are some other ideas for the perfect gift from Jamaica.
Naturally you have to think about the recipient - what's good for your 5 year old niece may not be quite the thing for Uncle Joe with the one good eye!
I'm writing primarily for the budget-minded. I am presently unable to think like someone who has money, but hopefully that will change one day soon!  Happily, some of the nicest things  from Jamaica aren't at all expensive. So while these ideas are value oriented, they should be pleasing to just about anyone who receives them.

Liquor
Rum - Jamaica is rum country. You can chose from a variety of ages, blends and colors. Our most popular producer is J. Wray and Nephew. Appleton Estate VX is a deliciously smooth, well aged, red rum. I've not come across the casual drinker who doesn't enjoy this one. Another red rum, very enjoyable, but a little less smooth than VX, is Appleton Special. More serious drinkers, or those who want to make rum punch, will enjoy the stronger J. Wray and Nephew Over proof Rum. In Jamaica we call this simply "white rum".
Rum Cream or Liqueur - The ladies may prefer these milder, sweeter drinks. Sangster's Rum Creams (in different flavors) are particularly good.
It's best to buy your alcohol at one of the duty free shops at the airport. It's practically the same price as at local supermarkets, but more conveniently packaged.

CDs
Jamaica makes so much good music it's mind blowing. However, not all of the lyrics can be easily understood if you don't speak Jamaican patois. You might want to choose carefully if you want to understand what's being said. Recent CDs by Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Queen Ifrica, Morgan Heritage are  a great place to start.
By no means should you discount the dance hall artistes, even if you can't understand all the words.   Most of the music is infectious whether you get the words or not! Sometimes the words are blatantly sexual, or somewhat violent, so ask before making your purchase.
For music collectors, classic CDs by Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaac's, Beres Hammond, John Holt, Bob Marley are really good choices. You could also ask for recordings of traditional Jamaican folk songs.

Coffee
Visit local supermarkets for Jamaican coffee. Larger supermarkets will have a wider range. Choose from whole or ground beans. Coffee labelled "Blue Mountain" is usually the best quality, having been grown at the highest altitudes. The "High Mountain Coffee" brand, although not Blue Mountain, is a very good brand. Coffee is also available at duty free stores in the airport.

Books
If you travel to Jamaica, a visit to a good bookstore can solve many of your gift problems. Jamaican cookbooks for those who like to experiment in the kitchen. Books of Jamaican poetry for those with a poetic soul. Jamaican novels for those who like a good story. Jamaican stories and coloring books for the children. Books on Jamaican culture and lifestyle for those who want to know our island better. When buying books, remember to consider the weight of your suitcase - books can be quite heavy.
Accessories
Accessories like bracelets, earrings, necklaces and anklets have the great advantage of being small and easy to carry. Remember not to buy jewellery made from turtle shell or black coral - these are protected species, and it is illegal to have items made from them. Trendy bags come in all shapes, colors and sizes, made from different materials. Rasta belts and tams are perfect for those who want to look 'rootsy'.

Clothes
As much as the T-shirt idea might seem overdone, there are actually a lot of attractive shirts on the market. Jamaican colors (black, green and gold) or Rasta colors (red, green and gold) are easily available. Bob Marley is still a great seller, and there are a lot of great shirts which show the many sides of Bob.
Also popular are Jamaican-colored shorts, flip flops, caps and beach wraps. Or you may like to try some of the more subtle clothing now available in earth tones.
For the kids
In addition to books and clothes, there are traditional cloth dolls, playing cards, small percussion instruments like drums and shakers which make good gifts for children. Some very funky pencils with a dread locked head at one end are cute and inexpensive.

Food
Many people enjoy the adventure of tasting food from different cultures. For these people, the supermarket is the perfect place to find something they'll enjoy. Here are a few ideas:
Jamaican Guava Jelly - made from the guava fruit. Delicious on bread or crackers.
Tamarind Balls - for those who like tangy sweets. Made from the flesh of the tamarind fruit rolled with sugar. Jamaican children (and many adults too) adore this.
Banana Chips - the perfect salty snack, made from green bananas! Just as tasty as potato chips, but more nutritious.
Jerk Seasoning/Sauce - those who like to cook can try making their own jerk chicken.
Spicy Sauces - there's a whole range of these, but our Pickapeppa Sauce is outstanding. Mango chutney is really good too.

Jamaican Artwork

Lookout for authentic Jamaican prints and paintings. These come in a range of prices, depending on the popularity of the artist, and the size and quality of the work. Wood carvings and ceramics are available, but again, you need to think about the weight as well as the packaging for your trip.

I hope these gifts ideas will be useful if you do indeed make the great decision to travel to Jamaica. In the event that you do make the trip, be sure to enjoy our wonderful Jamaican culture while you're here. Visit this entertaining and information-packed site about speak jamaican at http://www.speakjamaican.com.