The Oxford English Dictionary has enriched its vocabulary with the addition of 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update, showcasing the cultural significance and linguistic diversity of Nigeria.
Noteworthy additions include popular terms such as “japa,” which refers to the migration of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, and “agbero,” describing a young person working as a tout in public transport areas. Other vibrant terms featured in the update are “eba,” a popular local food, “419,” linked to internet fraud schemes, and “abi,” among others.
These entries reflect the deep influence of Pidgin English and street slang in Nigeria, demonstrating how these cultural expressions are gaining international prominence. Additionally, some terms like “japa” and “jand” have versatile uses, functioning as both nouns and verbs.
The update also provides pronunciation guides to help non-Nigerians articulate these words accurately, bridging cultural gaps and fostering better understanding.
A Nigerian English consultant involved in the update expressed enthusiasm over the inclusion of these words, emphasizing their representation of Nigerian culture and uniqueness. This step marks a significant recognition of Nigeria’s linguistic richness and its global impact.
Other notable words added include adire (batik), area boy (lout), cross-carpet, eba, Edo, gele (headgear), janded (adjective), Kanuri, Kobo, Naija, suya, Yahoo (internet fraud), and Yarn Dust, further underscoring Nigeria’s dynamic language landscape.
