Why are Jamaicans so fake abroad and think they have british accent?

Question

I fly frequently from Jamaica to UK. I am Jamaican myself, I just dont get why most Jamaicans try to speak in British accent on board flight and when they arrive in the UK. To be honest, it sounds weird...But when they reach jamaica, from flights from UK to jamaica, is like the have a trigger, and that trigger automatically switches back to jamaican accent. for example, a woman and her family spoke in british accent during the flight from UK to jamaica but whey they landed, and went to collect their baggage, i saw them speaking in jamaican accent. I don't get why they do that? whats wrong with their home accent? Their continuous trying to have a british accent is too obvious.

So, any answers?

I am not criticising or anything, I am Jamaican myself, and i like the Jamaican accent, I use it.

Answer 1

It is probably a case of trying to be 'accepted' in the UK as equals.

Answer 2

I  think people switch up based on the person(s) that they are around. I am Jamaican and I find that more so that not, when I am around my native Jamaicans, I speak in a heavier accent that when I am not.

I returned from the island recently and returned to work , and my co-workers pointed out to me, that whenever I go to Jamaica and come back I am "more Jamaican than usual". It's possible that's what the British Jamaicans are experiencing, perhaps being aroung British Jamaicans they adapt that way or speaking and vice versa.

I think its a natural progression, "when in Rome do as the Romans do"

Answer 3

It sounds EXTREMELY weird to a Jamaican listening, but strangely enough i have observed quite a few cases where a person not familiar with Jamaican Patois will sooner understand this 'broken' accent than the heights of Jamaican patois.

I have no problem speaking PURE English words, completely dismissing all patois from my tongue, but seriously, even when you are in the U.S.A., there are people who will STILL NOT UNDERSTAND a Jamaican because of his accent. The 'intonations' can confuse, even when you are trying to convey simpler words.

Modifying your accent becomes a subtle but essential part of the process of assimilation. You may not have to do it in Florida (where everybody understands spanish, english and jamaican), but in other less blended states, people may feel alienated by 'jamaican' speech.

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OK. There is also validity to the fact that some Jamaicans WILL subconsciously adjust their behavior when they feel that they truly are dealing with someone who is 'from overseas'. If they feel you are more exposed than the average joe, they treat you differently.

It sound ridiculous, but it REALLY happens. I've observed people automatically switch to some foreign accent whenever discussing money or trying to establish authority in a business deal. I have seen it used as a part of a subtle reminder that the speaker is someone who has had international experience within their field.

It can probably be a valuable strategy in dealing with other Jamaicans (perhaps flight attendants and customs officers?), that you may meet along the way.

Answer 4

Maybe because some Jamaicans were born in the UK so they have that accent!

Answer 5

Because UK and American people are too stiff to understand our natural tone we have to speak like them in order for them to get us, some of them at least. And bear in mind that most foreigners do not speak proper English anyway so even us who are capable of using just English words still have to muster up skills to speak like the foreigners who still will not get us.

This just goes to show our flexibility, this is displayed by the fact that you say "automatically switches back to Jamaican accent". We can work around a situation.

Answer 6

You have some interesting points from the other posters, most of which makes a lot of sense.

Just adding a point:  I have observed on more than one occasion, British and American visitors in our land. They DO try to speak the patois! It's the funniest thing to listen to, but I don't mind....

It's not just a Jamaican thing, when you think about it. I guess it's just more....um....noticeable....to us.

I have to give props to the Chinese/Japanese visitors....It never ceases to amaze me how well they master our Patois before fully learning the English Language!

Answer 7

People tend to Adapt to their surroundings, its a natural thing.

Everyone wants to be understood and most time people cannot understand the Jamaican accent, they say its too fast so most of us slow it down to be understood. Then being in UK you will pick up a few "English" phrase, then you get a Hybrid Patwa/English accent. lol

And about people "as soon as they landed they spoke Patwa". What would be the point of using an UK accent when everyone understands them perfectly now that they are in Jamaica?