Nigerian Pidgin
Here's a great, and lengthy dictionary of Nigerian Pidgin English that might help your students understand some of the references in NIgerian newspapers, radio, and television.Babawilly’s Pidgin English – Words and Phrases
For instance:
Adonkia: contraction for I don’t care attitude
Broda: Brother.
Broda-broda: Nepotism. See Fren-fren and Who know man.
Footron: Derived from Citroen. One who has no car and goes everywhere on foot.
Giraffe: Examination malpractice were the neck is stretched to spy neighbour's work.
Joke na joke: This is no longer funny! Also - If na joke stop am!
Mama dash: Hand me down clothes from a lady.
Mama-put:Road side food seller so called because customers frequently beg for extra helpings by saying 'Mama abeg put more now'.
Over-graduate: Postgraduate student. (As opposed to undergraduate).
Reign: In vogue e.g Na dat trousa dey reign now o.
Reign pass: Out of fashion.
Triangular student: (University campus slang). Student with little time for anything other than studies. Goes from the hostels to the canteen then to lectures and back to the hostels thus completing the triangle.
Yellow fever: 1. Traffic warden with bright orange khaki shirts. 2. Lady who bleaches skin lighter. (derogatory).
Zero one zero: (University slang) No breakfast , have lunch and no dinner due to financial hardships.
Zero zero one: Eat only dinner.
Of course, there's always Naija Lingo, an online translator. Type in the word you read or hear and the program will offer an English equivalent.
There are many Nigerian videos on YouTube illustrating Nigerian pidgin. Some are music videos and others are stand-up comedy routines. My understanding is not good enough to suggest than any of them are classroom safe.
Labels: Nigeria
posted by Ken Wedding @ 7:33 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home