KINGSTON, JAMAICA – In the development of the Bob Marley biopic “One Love,” there was a strong focus on ensuring the authentic portrayal of Jamaican culture and language. Dr. Joseph Farquharson, a Jamaican linguist, joined the project as an adviser to avoid the pitfalls of previous Hollywood films that misrepresented the Jamaican dialect. The 1993 comedy “Cool Runnings” was a prime example of this, with the Jamaican accent being “globalized” in a way that didn’t accurately represent the language.
Farquharson, aided by dialogue coach Brett Tyne, emphasized the importance of authenticity in the film’s depiction of Jamaican Patois. Paramount, the studio behind “One Love,” made the deliberate decision to embrace Patois, which integrates English with elements from various African languages, as well as Spanish, Hindi, and Chinese influences. This approach presented a challenge for the actors, with Kingsley Ben-Adir, who portrays Marley, likening the experience of learning Jamaican Patois to learning a new language.
For Farquharson, the accurate portrayal of Patois in “One Love” is a reflection of shifting attitudes towards the language in Jamaica. Previously denigrated, Patois is now gaining recognition and acceptance, with a growing desire for bilingual education that includes both standard English and Patois. This shift in attitude aligns with the Jamaican opposition party’s pledge to formally recognize Patois as the Jamaican language if they come to power.
The importance of accurately representing Patois in “One Love” goes beyond linguistic authenticity, as it also serves as a representation of Jamaican identity. Farquharson noted that the film’s dedication to authentic dialogue elevates it above previous attempts at portraying Jamaican culture and language on screen. This attention to detail ensures that “One Love” will not fall into the same category as films like “Cool Runnings” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” but rather be celebrated for its linguistic authenticity, similar to the classic Jamaican film “The Harder They Come.”
The acknowledgment and celebration of Patois in “One Love” reflect a broader shift in Jamaican society’s attitude towards its language and cultural identity. With Patois becoming increasingly politicized and gaining momentum as a symbol of national pride, its accurate depiction in “One Love” contributes to the celebration and preservation of Jamaica’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.