The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its lexicon by incorporating 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update. This inclusion highlights the global recognition of Nigerian Pidgin English and cultural expressions.
Among the newly added entries are widely used terms such as “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi.” These words, deeply embedded in the daily lives of Nigerians, reflect the nation’s linguistic diversity and cultural richness.
Notably, some terms like “japa” and “jand” are listed as both nouns and verbs, with pronunciation guides provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurate articulation.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant to the OED, announced the update on LinkedIn, expressing excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations. He stated, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary 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.”
The term “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (especially those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”Agbero” is described as “a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles.
The term “419,” widely known in Nigeria, is defined as “fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given.
Other words added to the dictionary include “abi,” “adire” (batik), “area boy” (lout), “cross-carpet,” “cross-carpeting,” “eba,” “Edo,” “gele” (headgear), “jand” (noun, verb), “janded” (adjective), “Kanuri,” “kobo,” “Naija,” “suya,” “Yahoo,” “Yahoo boy,” and “yarn dust.”
This development underscores the dynamic nature of the English language and its ability to adapt to diverse cultural influences, acknowledging the significant impact of Nigerian English on global linguistics.
Source: Punch Nigeria
