A Transnational “J’Ouvert” Kòmès

Language Blag

Baré Yo? Baré Yo!

Screenshot of Tout Bagay Patwa Episode 3 – Annou Palé Kamboulé – Let’s Talk Camboulay (Kambulé) 2021, from https://youtu.be/Zzvf75TlIU?t=3047, presented by Nnamdi Hodge. They lyrics of Roaring Lion’s 1935 Chorus, “Jouvé, baré yo, pa lévé lamen asou yo” (“It’s J’Ouvert, block them, don’t hit them) were transcribed and translated by Nnamdi Hodge.

We do not (yet) know the origin of the idea behind the naming of “J’Ouvert Rum”, whether national or foreign or both. If it is correct that the US Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) shows that under Translations, “The wording ‘J’OUVERT’ has no meaning in a foreign language”, we are here to respond to this claim, to consider the reactions of many in Trinidad & Tobago to the new brand name, and to propose the officialisation and adoption of our own standard spellings.

Consideration 1 – What are the Languages of T&T?

Our…

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