The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has taken a monumental step in acknowledging the global influence of Nigerian English by adding several uniquely Nigerian words to its latest update. This milestone reflects the richness of Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic heritage, spotlighting expressions that resonate with millions of Nigerians and beyond.
Celebrating Nigerian English
Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at SOAS University of London, shared the exciting news on LinkedIn on January 8, 2024. He announced that the OED’s latest update includes an impressive array of Nigerian words, a testament to the vibrancy of Nigerian English.
ATTENTION: Don’t miss out! Join 99Scholar’s Jobs & Scholarships Updates channel on WhatsApp now!
These newly added words capture the creativity, culture, and uniqueness of Nigerian expressions. From colloquial slang to cultural identifiers, this inclusion emphasizes the evolving nature of Nigerian English and its growing impact on global linguistics.
Words Added to the Oxford English Dictionary
Here’s a list of some of the Nigerian words that have found a place in the prestigious dictionary:
- 419
- Abi
- Adire
- Agbero
- Area Boy
- Cross-Carpet
- Eba
- Edo
- Gele
- Jand
- Japa
- Kanuri
- Kobo
- Naija
- Suya
- Yahoo Boy
- Yarn Dust
These words span various themes, from food and fashion to social and political terminology, capturing the essence of Nigerian life and its global cultural contributions.
Dr. Ugwuanyi’s Role in the Update
Dr. Ugwuanyi played a pivotal role in this achievement, drafting most of the words and providing their pronunciations. His voice now accompanies these words on the OED online platform, giving an authentic Nigerian touch to their pronunciation.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Ugwuanyi acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the OED team, especially Danica Salazar, World Englishes editor, for their dedication to showcasing Nigerian English.
In his LinkedIn post, he stated:
“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.” #Nigeria
This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their #pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my #voice bringing these words to life.
“A special shoutout to Danica Salazar, World Englishes editor, and the entire OED team. This milestone is the result of years of #collaboration and hard work, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together. Let’s celebrate this exciting chapter for Nigerian English.”
Encouraging Public Engagement
Dr. Ugwuanyi encouraged Nigerians and the global community to celebrate this achievement by sharing their favorite words from the list and contributing suggestions for future updates. This open call highlights the dynamic nature of Nigerian English, fostering a deeper connection between the language and its speakers.
ATTENTION: Don’t miss out! Join 99Scholar’s Jobs & Scholarships Updates channel on WhatsApp now!
Why This Milestone Matters
The inclusion of these words is more than just a linguistic update; it is a recognition of Nigeria’s cultural identity on a global stage. Nigerian English continues to influence various aspects of global culture, from entertainment and literature to social media and academic discourse.
The addition of Nigerian words like Agbero, Japa, and Adire to the Oxford English Dictionary marks a significant moment in linguistic history. It celebrates the richness of Nigerian culture and its impact on the world.
As Nigerian English continues to evolve, milestones like this serve as a reminder of the power of language in shaping and sharing cultural identity.
Explore the full list of words and their definitions here.