From Japa to Suya: Oxford English Dictionary Embraces 20 Nigerian Words

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has once again recognized Nigeria's significant contribution to the English language by adding 20 new Nigerian words and expressions to its latest update. This move underscores the growing global influence of Nigerian English and the country's rich linguistic diversity.

A Linguistic Milestone

The newly added words span various aspects of Nigerian life, from everyday expressions to cultural terms. The complete list of 20 additions includes:

1. 419 (fraud, typically an internet scam)
2. Abi (a question tag, similar to "right?" or "isn't it?")
3. Adire (a type of tie-dye textile)
4. Agbero (a tout or hustler at public transport stations)
5. Area boy (a street youth or thug)
6. Cross-carpet (to switch political parties)
7. Cross-carpeting (the act of switching political parties)
8. Eba (a staple food made from cassava flour)
9. Edo (relating to a Nigerian ethnic group and state)
10. Gele (a traditional head tie worn by women)
11. Jand (as a noun and verb, referring to traveling to or living in Western countries)
12. Janded (having lived or studied abroad, especially in a Western country)
13. Japa (as a noun and verb, meaning to emigrate or flee, especially to Western countries)
14. Kanuri (relating to an ethnic group in northeastern Nigeria)
15. Kobo (a monetary unit, one-hundredth of a Naira)
16. Naija (a colloquial name for Nigeria)
17. Suya (a spicy grilled meat skewer)
18. Yahoo (internet fraud)
19. Yahoo boy (a person who commits internet fraud)
20. Yarn dust (to talk nonsense or speak excessively)

Cultural Significance

These additions reflect linguistic trends and provide insights into Nigerian culture, society, and everyday life. Words like "gele" and "adire" showcase Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, while terms like " Japa" and "jaded" highlight contemporary social phenomena.

Global Recognition

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian consultant for the OED, was crucial in this update. He drafted most of the entries and provided voice recordings of their pronunciations, allowing users worldwide to hear authentic Nigerian pronunciations.

Impact and Implications

This update builds upon previous additions of Nigerian words to the OED, further cementing Nigerian English as a vital contributor to global English. It highlights the dynamic nature of language and the significant role that Nigerian speakers play in shaping contemporary English usage.

Some of the words, like "419" and "yahoo boy," reflect the global impact of Nigerian internet culture, while others like "eba" and "suya" introduce Nigerian cuisine to a wider audience. Political terms such as "cross-carpet" and "cross-carpeting" offer insights into Nigerian political dynamics.

Looking Ahead

As Nigerian English continues to evolve and influence global communication, we can expect to see more such updates in the future. The OED's recognition not only preserves these expressions for future generations but also underscores their cultural significance on a global scale.

The inclusion of these words in the OED is a testament to Nigeria's linguistic creativity and the country's growing influence on the world stage. It offers a window into Nigerian life for global audiences and ensures that these expressions are preserved for generations to come.