The global stage of language has seen a vibrant new addition as no fewer than 22 Nigerian words have been officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in its latest update. This move highlights Nigeria’s profound influence on the evolution of English, a testament to the dynamic and colorful nature of Nigerian English.
Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, World Englishes/Nigerian English Consultant to the OED, announced this exciting update through a LinkedIn post on Wednesday. As a significant contributor to this milestone, Dr. Ugwuanyi revealed that he was instrumental in drafting many of these words and providing their pronunciations. He proudly noted, “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my #voice bringing these words to life.”
The newly included words such as “eba”, “suya”, “agbero”, and “419” reflect the cultural richness and linguistic creativity of Nigeria. Here’s the full list of the 22 words:
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- 419
- Abi
- Adire
- Agbero
- Area boy
- Cross-carpet
- Cross-carpeting
- Eba
- Edo
- Gele
- Jand (noun)
- Jand (verb)
- Janded
- Japa (noun)
- Japa (verb)
- Kanuri
- Kobo
- Naija
- Suya
- Yahoo
- Yahoo boy
- Yarn dust
Dr. Ugwuanyi expressed his enthusiasm for the recognition of Nigerian English, stating, “The wait is over! I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) 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.”
Ghanaian Words Worthy of Oxford Recognition
With Nigeria paving the way, it begs the question: which Ghanaian words should follow suit and find their place in the Oxford English Dictionary? Ghana, with its rich cultural heritage and unique expressions, boasts a plethora of words that capture the essence of its people and lifestyle.
Here are some Ghanaian words that could potentially grace the pages of the OED in the future:
- Chale: An informal term for friend or buddy, widely used in Ghanaian Pidgin English.
- Kelewele: A popular Ghanaian street food consisting of spicy fried plantains.
- Obroni: A term used to refer to a foreigner or a person of European descent.
- Tro-tro: The ubiquitous minibus public transport system in Ghana.
- Sika: The Akan word for money, often used in various contexts to signify wealth or prosperity.
- Dumsor: A term describing the frequent power outages in Ghana, literally translating to “off and on.”
- Azonto: A dance and music genre that gained international popularity, originating from Ghana.
- Waakye: A traditional Ghanaian dish made with rice and beans, often served with a variety of accompaniments.
- Bofrot: A type of Ghanaian fried doughnut.
- Akwaba: A warm and welcoming greeting meaning “welcome” in Twi.
The inclusion of Ghanaian words in the OED would not only acknowledge the linguistic diversity of the English language but also celebrate Ghana’s cultural identity on a global scale. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the recognition of regional vernaculars in global dictionaries like the OED is a step towards embracing the rich tapestry of world Englishes.
Let the conversation continue: Which Ghanaian words do you think should be next to make it into the Oxford English Dictionary?
