The elders in Jamaica sometimes use phrases or sentences

they believe reflect a situation, or serve to caution

the younger generation or old, unaware individuals.

Many of these phrases or sentences may be used as

words of inspiration and often allow for introspection

and generate changes through behavioral modification.

These are adages inherently uttered in the Jamaican dialect,

some of which have been included and translated

here into standard English by the author. This ensures

a sense of clarity for non-Jamaicans and Jamaicans who

aren’t as familiar to the indigenous dialect.

The author’s main aim is to reach persons who are not

Jamaicans, who would love to understand the meaning

of words uttered in the Jamaican dialect, patois. The

author also aims to facilitate inspiration, “social cautions,”

and self-evaluation through each page of this

book, with images included that somewhat reflect the

message of each proverb. As such, the English version

of each proverb is included, along with the proverb’s

meaning. The images included should enhance clarity,

especially for non-Jamaicans. The lyrics of the Jamaican

National Anthem and Pledge have also been included

to extend an understanding of the Jamaican culture

and indicate what may be considered Jamaicanism.

As a Jamaican, the author would like to operationally

define Jamaicanism as the total quality management

(TQM) of the Jamaican culture to present the best—as

there is only the best—to the outside world, wrapped

in the reality of diversity “out of many one people” (the

Jamaican motto). The author’s interaction with people

from other cultures exposed the sincere interest that

others have in the language and subsequent accent of

the Jamaican people. This fact is one of the inspirations

for this book, as people from other cultures often

prompt continuous utterance of the Jamaican dialect

to indulge their ears in the melody of the English language

in Jamaican tone.

In addition, it is important for these proverbs to be

used as empowerment, as cautionary sayings, and guiding

tools for readers. With that in mind, a blank page

is provided after each proverb to facilitate personal

reflection and empowerment. The author would like

readers to take away the message of caution and become

empowered through proverbs and expressions

of the elders. The book’s main idea is to convey the

linguistic cultural awareness of the Jamaican people

to the rest of the world and offer the elements of this

awareness as empowerment, caution, and therapy to

the Jamaican people and others around the world.

It is suggested that this book would be an excellent gift

for friends, employees, family, and associates outside

Jamaica, or citizens and residents of other nations who

are living in Jamaica. It is also a book for all Jamaicans,

as it can impact morals and ensure cautions for life. It

is important to use these proverbs in a therapeutic way,

as they have benefits beyond semantics