The global significance of Nigeria’s diverse culture and expressive language has reached new heights as 22 Nigerian words were officially added to the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary (OED). This milestone marks yet another recognition of the country’s linguistic creativity and cultural influence on the world stage.
The announcement was made by Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, who played a pivotal role in this update. “The wait is over! I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words,” Ugwuanyi shared in an enthusiastic LinkedIn post. He emphasized that these words highlight the unique ways Nigerians express themselves and reflect the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
Words That Tell Nigeria’s Story
The new entries include popular terms such as “419,” “agbero,” “gele,” “Japa,” “eba,” and “yahoo boy.” Each word embodies a slice of Nigerian life, from cuisine and fashion to socio-political commentary and street slang. This update is not just a linguistic celebration; it also underscores the increasing global influence of Nigerian English.
“Japa,” for instance, has become synonymous with emigration in search of better opportunities. Its addition to the dictionary resonates deeply in contemporary discussions about brain drain and economic migration. Similarly, “419,” referring to fraud, connects to Nigeria’s infamous association with internet scams, while “gele” captures the elegance of traditional Nigerian headgear.
Other notable words include “agbero,” a term for bus conductors or touts, and “suya,” a beloved spiced meat delicacy. These words join the ranks of earlier additions such as “danfo,” “okada,” and “mama put,” reflecting Nigeria’s colorful everyday life.
A Voice for Nigerian English
Dr. Ugwuanyi’s contribution to this milestone went beyond just linguistic analysis. He also provided the pronunciation for the newly added words. “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he revealed. Describing this achievement as a culmination of years of dedication, Ugwuanyi encouraged Nigerians to share their favorite words from the list and propose new ones for future updates.
Building on a Legacy
This update continues a tradition of recognizing Nigerian English within global linguistic frameworks. In 2020, the OED included 29 Nigerian words, such as “next tomorrow” and “mama put,” marking the first significant inclusion of Nigerian expressions since the dictionary’s inception in 1884. The global dictionary described Nigerian Pidgin and English as “rich sources of new words,” crediting their evolution to local creativity and cultural borrowing.
The OED’s quarterly review process ensures that the dictionary keeps pace with the dynamic nature of the English language. Nigerian words, many of which emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, are now shaping the way global English evolves.
Cultural and Global Implications
The inclusion of these words is a testament to Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic exportation. It also reflects the adaptability of the English language, which continually absorbs and transforms under the influence of diverse cultures. Words like “Naija” (a colloquial term for Nigeria) and “yarn dust” (meaning to talk nonsense) offer a glimpse into the country’s informal linguistic style.
The OED acknowledged the unique role of Nigerian Pidgin in expanding English vocabulary. According to the dictionary, Nigerian English combines local expressions, colonial influences, and innovations born out of Nigeria’s multilingual environment. This linguistic dynamism has positioned Nigeria as a leader in shaping English across Africa and beyond.
A Call for More Representation
Linguistic experts and cultural enthusiasts have lauded the update as a significant achievement but noted that it is only a step in representing the full scope of Nigerian English. Many hope that future updates will include even more words that capture the complexities of Nigerian life and its linguistic ingenuity.
“This milestone is proof that our language matters,” Ugwuanyi said. “It’s also a reminder that we need to continue documenting and sharing our expressions with the world.”
The Road Ahead
As Nigeria continues to grow in cultural and economic influence, the recognition of its language in global dictionaries like the OED is expected to deepen. The latest additions are not just words but stories—narratives that capture the humor, resilience, and creativity of the Nigerian spirit.
From the bustling markets of Lagos to the classrooms of Oxford, these words now serve as cultural ambassadors, telling the world about Nigeria’s vibrant heritage.
Newly Added Words in the OED
- 419
- Abi
- Adire
- Agbero
- Area boy
- Cross-carpet
- Cross-carpeting
- Eba
- Edo
- Gele
- Jand
- Janded
- Japa
- Kanuri
- Kobo
- Naija
- Suya
- Yahoo
- Yahoo boy
- Yarn dust
