Book excerpt: What's the fastest way to learn the ins and outs of Jamaican Patois? Achieving fluency in Patwa (Jamaican Patois) requires a strategic approach, one that shows why -- and where -- what we hear seems to run together. "Instant Patwa" brings you that demystifying approach. English speakers are understood in Jamaica. Locals understand English. However, if you know only English without a grasp of the day-to-day language, you'll understand the local people way less than they understand you! The desired dynamic is equal understanding. With this in mind, "Instant Patwa" is written with a focus on what you'll hear (how native speakers speak), to show you how we say what we say. That's how "Instant Patwa" hones your listening skills and helps you to master spoken Patwa. Jamaican Patwa is relatively simple -- when you've learnt its secret patterns. After learning those patterns in this book, you should have a great grasp of Patwa. With Jamaica so near to Florida, and Kingston-culture so close to New York slang, Patwa is evolving. This book, therefore, is also a snapshot of authentic spoken Patwa as it now stands (and as it has stood for a few centuries). It's an easy read, with all you need for every Patwa conversation. Idiom, pronunciation and comprehension are at your fingertips in this simple guide. If you're an expatriate in Jamaica, this gives you an edge. If you're purely a fan of Jamaican Patwa anywhere in the world, what a great party skill you'll have after reading this book!