![]() Interestingly enough, these same folk have the greatest ability to seamlessly switch to proper English when in conversation with visitors to our island. Therefore, it is not at all strange to hear a full conversation amongst friends out relaxing and walk away wondering what on earth was just said. In Barbados, we tend to use dialect in informal settings and standard English in more formal settings. ![]() Though English is the standard language spoken in Barbados, dialect is still very much a part of our culture. Don't be afraid to ask a Bajan to slow down and they will be more than happy to slow it down. Sometimes we tend to speak at a fast rate that combined with the accents heard makes it difficult to understand what is being said. Bajan dialect has an intriguing factor associated with it as new words and expressions are constantly coming alive. However due to stronger accents which once prevailed, the word sounded more like ‘Barbajan’ and eventually was shortened to Bajan. The word ‘Bajan’ is derived from the word “Barbadian”. Bajan dialect is one of the most prevalent attributes that connect the people of Barbados to their African and English heritage. This language then became a way of communication among enslaved Africans, much to the disadvantage of their slave masters who had difficulty understanding what was being communicated. Its origin dates back to the times when slaves were brought to Barbados and forced to speak English. Bajan dialect is a unique language of Barbados.
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