Diversity of Jamaican Culture

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Introduction

Jamaica is a beautiful tropical island situated in the south of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. The climate is hot, humid and temperate interior with terrain mostly mountainous and narrow discontinuous costal line. The historical background of this island dates back to 1494 when Christopher Columbus discovered it and it remained as an English territory who gained its control after seizure of the island and extermination of Spanish settlers until 1962 when it completely independence (CIA, 2008).

With its population of nearly 4 million people it cherishes cultural and social diversification which makes it a delight and interesting place to experience. It is a popular resort for holiday makers and receives a large number of visitors everywhere who come here to enjoy the long sunny spells and hospitality offered by the people of this island. In this paper we will discuss the cultural and social background of this island and present some interesting facts regarding the island. In addition to this we will put some interesting differences between Jamaican culture and US culture and finally provide reflections over the cultural layout and diversification of this beautiful island.

People

The culture of Jamaica is a rich blend of the ways deriving from both Spanish and British eras which affected lives of the people on this small island. The island remained under the British rule for more than 300 years which was marked as a horrific time for then less privileged black people. The culture is therefore most prominently drawn by its West African settlers which were put there as slaves and had faced harsh and torturous period of forced labor.

The majority of its 4 million people constitutes of black Africans who made this island as their home after the inhumane slavery came to an end and humanity found its roots in this island and neighboring region. The culture of Jamaica therefore has its similarities with the remaining countries of West Indian Federation which embarked independence from British rule. The British era also brought many Chinese and Indian migrants who were shifted to this island as skilled workers under treaty from the Far East. These people although in minority also play an important role in the cultural diversity of this island.

Language

The official language spoken and understood on the island is English. However, Jamaican Patois or Jamaican Creole which is a blend of English / African based language is more commonly used as spoken language. This language derives many of its words from different African languages, English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese and Arawak and its pronunciation is significantly different from that of English.

Architecture

Jamaican architecture has a long history of fine craftsmanship in wood and metal. There are several wood furniture factories in Jamaica which were established during colonization and have emerged as excellent developers of Jamaica’s Georgian furniture which is exported to many countries. The furniture is designed on the basis of class rather than ethnicity. The architecture is a blend of African, Spanish and English influences. Spanish style balconies, arches, high ceilings, wrought iron and brick design and English style wide porches, wooden craft and patterns can be seen in the urban architecture. Designs from pre-Columbian are still common in rural areas with use of palm leafs and mud walls. However, use of stone is growing due to torrential climate and fear of cyclones.

Literature and Writing

Jamaican literature had its initial work cited with various aspects which Chinese, Jews, Indians and European brought to this island. With growing literacy amongst Afro settlers the literature became prominently overwhelmed by African Jamaican. The current oral tradition has its influence from West African sources including the griot tradition, the trickster story form, the use of proverbs, aphorisms, riddles and humor (Purcell, 2007).

The literature grew further by works of many infamous writers in Jamaican Creole. Many great books were written in Jamaica with Jamaicans authors getting global recognition. However, the writers do face with a decision whether to write in standard English to cater wider audience or publish their work in the local patois which has comparatively smaller yet trendy audience.

Religion

Jamaica is mostly Christian society where spirituality is well practiced and takes many forms. All denominations of Christianity are reflected in the local culture. The island has the highest number of churches per square mile as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and has a total of almost 1600 churches across the island (Scott-Williams, 2006). The island has its values and mores deep rooted in the teachings of Bible which makes it a socially conservative society.

The churches and its leaders play a great role in the law making and implementation process. The other religions followed on this island include Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Baha’i and Rastafarian. Amongst these Rastafarian is considered as the much followed religion after Christianity. Worshipers of this religion follow teachings of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie or Ras Tafari. The belief of reincarnation, forbidding men to cut or comb their hair or beards and use of marijuana as a sacrament and a meditational aid is common amongst Rastafaris.

Art, Music and Dance

Jamaican multifaceted culture offers great variety in art, music and dance across the island. Jamaicans are known for their artistic capabilities and talent. The Jamaican art has its own identity and theme also with much deeper influence from European, American and African art forms. The country has produced a number of well known artists who have been recognized and their work has been appreciated by galleries and collectors. These include sculptor and painter Edna Manley, painter Albert Huie and the self-taught artist Kapo.

The culture of Jamaica is highly energetic and colorful when it comes to their willingness to dance. The traditional dances of Jamaican Afro culture are still kept alive where new styles and forms are constantly developed. The styles of dances on this island are a fusion of both European and African with additives of their own from the locals. The National Dance Theater Company offers dance learning opportunities and events are regularly organized which generates great interest from the people.

The most common dances are from the slavery period which included ‘jonkonnu’ – a dance at Christmas time, ‘bruckins’ – a dance after freedom and relatively newer ‘ska’. Moreover, European dances such as ‘maypole’ and ‘quadrille’ and African dances like the ‘gerreh’, ‘dinki mini’ and ‘ettu’ are well common (Jamaica Guide, 2008).

Jamaicans love their music and is part of their lives both in work and entertainment. The island has given a new insight to the music. A new musical branch was introduced by its great artists that became known as reggae. Reggae is the most popular form of Jamaican music which found much more publicity and acceptance internationally with notable artist as Bob Marley who is considered as a legend after his death and still continues to influence many other local musicians to produce and flourish reggae style music.

Other famous artists include Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beenie Man and Black Uhuru. Another variation of reggae is Dancehall which is also growing in popularity both locally and throughout the world. As Jamaica is a popular place for thousands of visitors every year night clubs and pubs promote dance, jazz, rocksteady and ska music usually performed by international performers. Jamaican folk and religious music have their songs for all weathers and occasions which are influenced by African sounds and musical instruments.

Food

Jamaican cuisine offers a distinctive and unusual fusion of flavors using ingredients which are not commonly used outside of the Caribbean such as scotch bonnet peppers and ackees. The use of aromatic spices and spicy sauces is very common. Jamaicans are by far good eaters and use of alcohol with or without food is considered essential. The most popular food dish is ‘jerk’ a marinade which is served with almost anything but typically with meat. Sea food is also part of the meal course. There are some Jamaicans dishes including cow foot stew and goat’s head soups which are extremely unpopular with the visitors to the island.

Odd Habits

There are certain difference in the ways of life both in Jamaica and America. The most common issue which a visitor from US faces is the different driving position. In US cars are left hand driven whereas in Jamaica they are right handed. Also the taxi drivers on this island are known for their reckless driving and get their driving license for a hefty amount of US$200 without passing road test and drivers as a whole enjoy tailgating which may be annoying for US drivers. It is also observed that Afro-Americans and Afro-Jamaicans although descend from Africa are very much different in their beliefs, values and morals in life.

This may be due to the different surroundings and environment in which they are raised. There is certain food items which may be too much for one to lose his or her appetite specially the dishes mentioned above. The words used in the language of Jamaica are getting very much popular amongst the new generation which is sometimes amusing. Some may also find the use of loud drums and music in certain places odd as music is an integral part of Jamaican culture whether it is at work, sports or routine life. Also it is surprising that despite of strict conformity to Christianity the island still portray itself as an easy going and favorite for visitors.

Remarks

The island of Jamaica has lot to offer in terms of its culture diversity and richness. The small island promotes a culture which is a dynamic one. It has a population which belongs to many ethnicities from all around the world which are living together with acceptance to each others’ beliefs and values. Religion where plays an important role by adopting conservative rules the island is still considered as an easy going place by visitors. The culture exhibits transitions from geographically apart traditions, which in a way finds beauty in diversity. The people are warm and always show affection despite of scar history which they share. The nation will continue to endure on its surviving nature and would surely contribute to the world in all forms of elements of life.

Works Cited

Central Intelligence Agency. 2008. Jamaica. CIA The World Factbook. Web.

Jamaica-Guide. 2008. Jamaica Culture. Web.

Purcell, T. W. 2007. Culture of Jamaica. Web.

Scott-Williams, T. 2006. “I believe I can fly”. The Jamaica Observer. Web.

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