The Oxford English Dictionary has added 20 new words to their dictionary. What is new about those words? Let me start with the fact this new words are Nigerian words and slang.
The addition of this words shows the understanding of cultural heritage. It also shows appreciation for the Nigerian culture and street slang.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, shared the exciting news on LinkedIn, expressing his pride in contributing to the dictionary’s latest update.
Ugwuanyi wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP 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.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”
Among the entries, “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”
419- West African, esp. Nigerian English. Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 email, 419 scam, etc. Cf. yahoo n.2
Suya- In Nigerian cookery: a dish consisting of thinly sliced pieces of spiced meat grilled or roasted on a skewer, usually sold by street vendors and eaten as a snack.
Yahoo- West African, esp. Nigerian English. Fraud perpetrated on the internet, esp. involving requests for advance payment for services or products that are ultimately never provided. Usually reduplicated, as yahoo yahoo.
Yarn Dust- colloquial. intransitive. To ‘spin a yarn’, tell a story; also, to chat or talk.
The pronunciations of the words has been added to help those who are not Native of the Nation speak the words.
Here are a lost of words that was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
• 419
• abi
• adire
• agbero
• area boy
• cross-carpet
• cross-carpeting
• eba
• Edo
• gele
• jand (noun, verb)
• janded (adjective)
• Japa (noun, verb)
• Kanuri
• Kobo
• Naija
• suya
• Yahoo
• yahoo boy
• Yarn Dust
Kingsley Ugwuanyi also applauded Danica Salazar, Word English Director and the entire Oxford English Dictionary team.
This is an exhilarating news to all Nigerians. It is wonderful our words has been added to the dictionary. I feel excited about Nigerian words becoming recognised and used in conversation.
I am especially thrilled as a writer that I can add this words when I write and know it is legitimate. I love that more Nigerian slang and words have been added to the dictionary.
