Nigerian Pidgin and its intrigues - As I think am (means as it is on my mind)

 It is intriguing that a language that has generated so much following and is widely spoken across the length and breadth of the country has not been giving recognition.

...the usage of NP seems to have emerged…[in] advertising, light discussions, cartoons and gossip all of which are in a strong need of humour to be successful. Nigerian Pidgin seems to be the only language in Nigeria providing a significant potential to combine a relevant sense of humour and a large area of spread – this meant geographically as well as socially. 

Kemper (2006 pg 12)

It could be because it is probably seen as a language for the illiterate and un-enlightened. However the contrary is the case because the truth is everyone speaks Nigerian Pidgin - irrespective of social class. I wouldn't say I am in favour or against the adoption of Nigerian Pidgin as one of the national official languages. But it does have the potential of uniting the country.

I guess everyone has got a part to play in this. DOn't get me wrong, English Language is an excellent language and carries with the poshness and eloquence any language would aspire to have. BUt I also believe the road to international recognition starts with having a 'unique identifier' which would surge the value of the national brand called Nigeria.

Na small small snail dey take waka, but e go reach where e dey go one day
(Snail travels very slow but no matter how long it takes, it will get to its destination).

Just my thoughts....

Niyi


Reference:
Kemper, M (2008) Beyond Barriers - Nigerian Pidgin Climbing the Ladder of Prestige. GRIN Verlag.pg 12

Nigerian Pidgin by Nicholas Faraclas

A very exciting book. It explores the intricacies, origins and lexical combination of Nigerian Pidgin. You can get a sneak preview - http://tinyurl.com/2vgyz7r

Introducing Nigerian Pidgin Bible New Testament

Anglo-Nigerian Pidgin (ANP) is a dynamic, exciting and evolving language. What better way to express this than the translation of the bible into ANP. We commend "Mercy Christian Ministry International (MCMI)" for such a great feat.

Here is the link to get more information.

http://nigerianpidgin-bible.yolasite.com/nigerian-pidgin-bible-new-testament.php

The "Slangs" website launches soon. watch this space!

Wetin Dey Happen?

That means what's happening or what's up? It can be used as a form of greeting

eg "Bros, wetin dey happen na?" (Hello Brother, how are you?)

It can also be used to get information about an occurrence or incidence

eg "Abeg, wetin dey happen for here?" (Excuse me, what is happening here?)

Nigerian Pidgin is an exciting language. It is a blend of English language with influences from other local Nigerian languages. There are several variations and because it is an informal language it does not really have an organised structure.

What makes it stand out?

Imagine an environment where you have over 500 dialects and several cultures living together. How do they communicate? Thats where pidgin comes in. It has helped to bridge the gap of communication. It is like a social language used by everyone regardless of their social standing. It's simple, easy to learn and fun. Since Nigerians are known to travel far and wide, everywhere they go the language follows them.

So if you've got some Nigerian blood but never got the chance to experience the 'wonder' of Nigerian pidgin, here is a platform to connect to your roots. If you are not Nigerian but you up for some adventure, why not? It's so easy you'll fall in love in a short time.

For the Naija peeps, make una show ya sef! (express yourself). Share your knowledge with the world. Nigerian Pidgin deserves some prestige so let's do it!

'Slangs Of Naija' website launching soon. Watch this space!

The Slangs Website

Hello!

the 'Slangs' website should be launching in september.

Here is a sneak preview of what to expect.

- Learn a dynamic, exciting and ever-developing language:

After loads of research and consultations, we have decided to focus on one language - "Anglo-Nigerian Pidgin (ANP)"- simply call it pidgin english. In case you don't know, Nigeria is a multi-cultural society that has over 500 languages. Out of these, three are recognized as the majority languages - Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.

However, over the years ANP has developed into a language code which is spoken across all oher cultures. It is unique in the sense that it is merger of English language and inputs from vastly all major languages in Nigeria. If any language stood a chance of being adopted as a 'national code' I guess ANP would be preferred.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of this exciting language and discover why it has been adopted as an "unofficial" means of communication in both urban and rural areas in the Nigeria (and probably across the world!)

- Learn, Share, Fun!

You will learn in an environment where you can interact with the online community through Facebook , twitter and our blog. You will share your knowledge with the world and if you care to, you could also become a teacher in no time. Now isn't that fun! A teacher without any formal training! Discover how learning should be!

- Constant development for other languages through our "social +language +scheme"

Just incase you were wondering, we will be including more languages in the near future. Our focus is basically local languages which maybe facing extinction or are not getting the recognition they deserve. So watch out, your language might just be next!

Welcome to the Slangs Blog!