Language

As the movement of Rastafarians became more distinct, Rastas inherited and formed their own language. 

Instead of saying we, our, mine, you and I, Rasta affirms I’n’I, leaving no separation in the identity of things. Instead of saying “understand,” Rastas say “overstand,” as to not be under anyone’s definitions. Instead of saying “dedicated,” Rastas say “livicated,” (using the prefix live instead of die). Instead of saying “manifested,” Rastas say “I-nifested,” to incarnate the I is in everything. (“Rastafari – Way of Life | JahWorks.Org | The Intelligent Online Caribbean Music, Culture, and Travel Magazine”)

Foods are also given new meaning, as “ital,” for “vital,” means a strictly vegetarian diet, “Inana,” is banana, “I-go” is a mango. The I is the spirit of Jah and the spirit of man, and the unification of that divinity. Many Rasta words begin with I and many words also project a positive twist to a word to give it a higher meaning than its regular English comparison instead of “hello,” Rastas either say “greetings,” or “irie.” This language would be called the Kings Iyriac, to distinguish from the British English, which is seen in the culture as Babylonian, and causing all the negative problems in the world. (“Rastafari – Way of Life | JahWorks.Org | The Intelligent Online Caribbean Music, Culture, and Travel Magazine”)