Emmanuel Ochayi
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has embraced the rich linguistic tapestry of Nigeria by adding 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.
This significant inclusion highlights the global recognition of Nigerian Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions.
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The newly added words include “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others. These terms, deeply rooted in Nigerian daily life, show the evolving nature of language and the influence of Nigerian culture on the global stage.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, shared the news on LinkedIn. He expressed his excitement about contributing to this update, stating that he had the opportunity to draft the words and provide their pronunciations. Ugwuanyi noted,
Ugwuanyi wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”
Pronunciation Guides for Non-Nigerians
The OED has included pronunciation guides to help non-Nigerians accurately articulate these newly added words. This effort ensures that the terms are accessible and correctly used by a global audience.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Japa: Defined as the emigration of Nigerians to other countries, especially in search of education, employment, or economic opportunities.
- Agbero: A person, often a young man, working as a tout at car parks and bus stops, collecting money and ushering passengers onto vehicles.
- 419: A term for fraud, often perpetrated online, involving advance payment scams with promises of large sums of money that are never delivered.
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Full List of Nigerian Words in the Update
The comprehensive list of new entries includes:
- 419
- Abi
- Adire
- Agbero
- Area Boy
- Cross-carpet
- Cross-carpeting
- Eba
- Edo
- Gele
- Jand (noun, verb)
- Janded (adjective)
- Japa (noun, verb)
- Kanuri
- Kobo
- Naija
- Suya
- Yahoo
- Yahoo Boy
- Yarn Dust
Cultural Significance of the Update
This update marks a milestone for Nigerian English and its influence on the global linguistic landscape. It showcases the unique ways Nigerians express themselves and the cultural creativity embedded in their language.
Expert’s Perspective
Ugwuanyi described the inclusion as a beautiful reflection of Nigeria’s culture and creativity. He emphasized the significance of these words in portraying the unique expressions of Nigerians.
With these additions, the Oxford English Dictionary continues to evolve, incorporating words that reflect diverse cultures and experiences, further enriching the global understanding of language.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
