WEST AFRICAN PIDGINS AND CREOLES: SOME PEDADOGICAL OBSERVATIONS
Akwapoly Journal of Communication and Scientific Research (APJOCASR)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/apjocasr.v7no1.19Keywords:
Pidgin, creole, contact language, lingual franca, communicationAbstract
This paper explores the West African Pidgin and Creole languages, their origin, structure, and impact. Pidgin in West Africa began as a trade language in the 16th century to facilitate communication between West African natives and Europeans. Descendants of pidgin speakers in Africa adopted pidgin as a Creole language. The paper employs a library-based method to examine the language, revealing that it is a distinct variety and common lingua franca, mutually intelligible to West Africans. It is widely used as a language of mass communication, although it is not officially recognized as an official language in West African countries. The paper advocates that pidgins and creoles should be accepted as a language variety and not viewed as a degraded form of English. The research shows that pidgins and creoles can promote social and commercial interaction and enhance national and sub-regional cohesion. This paper explores the West African pidgin and Creole languages, their origin, structure, and impact. Pidgin in West Africa began as a trade language in the 16th century to facilitate communication between West African natives and Europeans. Descendants of pidgin speakers in Africa adopted pidgin as a Creole language. The paper employs a library-based method to examine the language, revealing that it is a distinct variety and common lingua franca, mutually intelligible to West Africans. It is widely used as a language of mass communication, although it is not officially recognized as an official language in West African countries. The paper advocates that pidgins and creoles should be accepted as a language variety and not viewed as a degraded form of English. The research shows that pidgins and creoles can promote social and commercial interaction and enhance national and sub-regional cohesion.
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