SOAS researcher helps add new Nigerian words to the Oxford English Dictionary

SOAS Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Kingsley Ugwuanyi has recently contributed to a new range of Nigerian words and phrases being added to the Oxford English Dictionary. 

Dr Ugwuanyi, who specialises in sociolinguistics, has been consulting for the Oxford English Dictionary on Nigerian English, including the recent addition of 20 new words to the dictionary, which reflect Nigeria’s society as a whole. The list of the twenty new words includes words such “Abi”, “Adire”, “Edo”, “Naija” and “Suya”. Complementary guides on the correct pronunciation for the words are provided alongside each dictionary definition, with vocal recordings for each contributed by Ugwuanyi.

It’s truly rewarding to see the new Nigerian English words added, as it reflects the vibrancy of our language and culture.

Some of the new words that have been added were borrowed from Nigerian Pidgin English, a common lingua franca (bridge language) that plays wide-ranging roles in the everyday lives of Nigerians. Additions were also made as recently as 2020, with 29 words being included for their distinctive contribution to the English language.

Speaking on the opportunity to consult on the additions, Dr Ugwuanyi said:

“I’m proud to have contributed to the Oxford English Dictionary. It’s an honour to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the uniquely interesting ways we express ourselves as Nigerians. I also thoroughly enjoyed providing the pronunciations to the Dictionary’s online platform, ensuring authenticity. 

It’s truly rewarding to see the new Nigerian English words added, as it reflects the vibrancy of our language and culture.”

New additions

Some of the new contributions to the Oxford English Dictionary, with definitions:

• adire: A type of fabric produced mainly in south-western Nigeria, featuring patterns obtained by applying indigo or other dyes using various resist-dyeing techniques. Also: the method of producing this fabric.
• cross-carpeting: The action or practice of a politician moving from one political party to another. 
• eba: A dough made with boiled cassava meal, typically shaped into balls, forming a staple food in parts of West Africa.
• Gele: A West African head-tie originally worn by Yoruba women, typically consisting of a stiff piece of fabric printed with designs in bright colours, which can be tied or wrapped around the head to form various shapes.
• jand: A foreign country; a country other than one's own.
• Japa: The emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.
• Naija: Of, belonging to, or relating to Nigeria or Nigerians.
• Suya: A Nigerian cookery 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.

The other words included in the 20 additions also include: 419, Abi, Agbero, area boy, cross-carpet, Edo, Janded, Kanuri, Kobo, Yahoo, yahoo boy, and Yarn Dust.

The SOAS School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics offers unparalleled disciplinary expertise and access to language study for those interested in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. With a core focus in fields such as literature and film, linguistics and poetry, the school acts as a foundation of learning and understanding of societies and culture from across the world.