More than 75 million people are believed to speak pidgin across Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. But it's not just an African phenomenon. The term "pidgin" was first recorded in English in 1807 in Canton, China.

Which country started pidgin English?

The term pidgin was first recorded in English in 1807, as English was adopted as the business and trade language of Canton (Guangzhou), China. At the time, the term business English was often written as pigeon English, a spelling that reflects the local pronunciation.

Is pidgin English an official language?

It's now been recognized by the U.S. Census. Pidgin, the unmistakable, enchanting language of locals has been recognized as an official language.

Where is pidgin an official language?

Pidgin English now an official language of Hawaii

Pidgin, spoken in Hawaii for decades, is now listed as one of the official languages in the islands.

Is there a Nigerian English?

Nigerian English, also known as Nigerian Standard English, is a dialect of English spoken in Nigeria. Based on British English, the dialect contains various loanwords and collocations from the native languages of Nigeria, due to the need to express concepts specific to the culture of the nation (e.g. senior wife).

The English You Won't Understand... (PIDGIN ENGLISH)

How many African countries speak pidgin?

In 2016, there was an estimated five million individuals who use Pidgin as a primary language for everyday use in Nigeria. As of 2017, about 75 million people in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea who speak the language.

How do you say hello in pidgin?

Usually pronounced “har fa”. “How far?” is the most common way to say “hello” in Nigerian pidgin…. When you are not sure how to greet somebody, it is always appropriate to say “Kóyo ”.

How much of Nigeria speaks English?

Around 53% of the population (79 million people) can speak English in Nigeria, and a small percentage has awesome native proficiency in the English language.

Why is it called Pidgin?

Etymology. Pidgin derives from a Chinese pronunciation of the English word business, and all attestations from the first half of the nineteenth century given in the third edition of the Oxford English Dictionary mean "business; an action, occupation, or affair" (the earliest being from 1807).

Is Indian English a pidgin?

Pidgin English is a non-specific name used to refer to any of the many pidgin languages derived from English. Pidgins that are spoken as first languages become creoles. English-based pidgins that became stable contact languages, and which have some documentation, include the following: ... Butler English (India)

Does Ghana speak pidgin?

Ghanaian Pidgin English (GhaPE), also known as Kru English (or, in Akan, kroo brofo), is a variety of West African Pidgin English spoken in Ghana, predominantly in the southern towns and the capital, Accra. ... It is a variety of West African Pidgin English, like Nigerian Pidgin.

Is pidgin a bird?

Pidgin is a noun. It is a language that develops as a hybrid of other, more official, languages. Pigeon is a noun. It's a type of bird with short legs, small heads, and large round bodies.

Who brought English to Nigeria?

The use of the English language in Nigeria dates back to the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century when British merchants and Christian missionaries settled in the coastal towns called Badagry, near Lagos in the present day South Western Nigeria and Calabar, a town in the present day South Eastern Nigeria.

How is Nigeria body pidgin?

LAGOS (Reuters Life!) - It may share many of its words and basic grammar with English, but a perplexed look descends across the face of most newcomers to Nigeria the first time they are addressed in Pidgin. “How you dey?” comes the question, or “How body?” (both meaning “how are you?”)

What is broken English called?

Broken English is a name for a non standard, non-traditionally spoken or alternatively-written version of the English language. These forms of English are sometimes considered as a pidgin if they have derived in a context where more than one language is used.

Which country speaks best English?

The Netherlands has emerged as the nation with the highest English language proficiency, according to the EF English Proficiency Index, with a score of 72. It is ahead of five other northern European nations at the top of the chart.

How do u say hello in Nigerian?

Sannu! A traditional Nigerian greeting used by the Idoma in Benue State area, Abole translates roughly as “How are you?” or simply “Hello”. Literally translated as “how are you?”, Mavo is the way the Urhobo's say “hello”. It can be used in formal situations, or in cases where you are more relaxed with acquaintances.

Who created pidgin?

It originated as a Chinese mispronunciation of the English word "business". Following the first and second war from1839 to 1842, Pidgin English spread north to Shanghai and other treaty ports. Pidgin usage began to decline in the late 19th century when Chinese and missionary schools began teaching standard English.

How do you say yes in pidgin?

For example, in an informal setting with a friend, you can say ”My friend you do well”. ”No wahala” is the pidgin expression used for confirmation or approval. When someone says “No wahala”, it could mean “Yes” or “No problem”.

What is the official language of Nigeria?

The official language is English, but it is spoken less frequently in rural areas and amongst people with lower education levels. Other major languages spoken include: Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulfulde, Ibibio, Kanuri, and Tiv. Nigerian Sign Language, Hausa Sign Language, and Bura Sign Language are all used in Nigeria.

When did Nigerian Pidgin start?

Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE), originated as a lingua franca for trade purposes amongst the Nigerians and the Portuguese merchants during the 17th century. It is broken English like Patois and Creole, spoken along the coast of West Africa and it has extended to the diaspora, due to Nigerian migrants.

What is pidgin example?

Pidgins generally consist of small vocabularies (Chinese Pidgin English has only 700 words), but some have grown to become a group's native language. Examples include Sea Island Creole (spoken in South Carolina's Sea Islands), Haitian Creole, and Louisiana Creole.