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Pidgin: meaning, definitions and examples

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pidgin

 

[ หˆpษชdส’ษชn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

language contact

Pidgin is a simplified form of speech that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different native languages. It often arises in situations where people need to communicate for trade, work, or other mutual interests but do not share a common language. Pidgins are typically characterized by a limited vocabulary and simplified grammar, serving as a lingua franca in multilingual contexts. Over time, if a pidgin becomes stable and is passed on to the next generation, it may develop into a creole.

Synonyms

contact language, creole, trade language

Examples of usage

  • Hawaii Pidgin is widely spoken in Hawaii.
  • The trading post relied heavily on the use of pidgin.
  • He learned pidgin during his travels across the islands.
  • Many words in pidgin come from English, Portuguese, and African languages.

Translations

Translations of the word "pidgin" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฟเคœเคฟเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะถะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ”ใ‚ธใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”ผ์ง„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูŠุฌูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็šฎ้’ฆ่ฏญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะธะดะถะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ˜แƒฏแƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pidgin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pidgin

Word origin

The term 'pidgin' originated in the mid-19th century and is believed to have derived from the pronunciation of the English word 'business' by Chinese speakers in Canton. Initially, it referred to a specific variety of simplified English used in trade between British merchants and Chinese laborers. Over time, the use of the word expanded to encompass various contact languages that emerged around the world. Pidgins often reflect the linguistic features of the languages involved, blending vocabulary and grammatical structures. This phenomenon is largely influenced by colonialism and globalization, where different cultures encounter each other, leading to the creation of new, simplified languages. As they evolve, some pidgins become entrenched within communities, further developing their syntax and lexicon. The transition from pidgin to creole occurs when these forms become nativized, meaning they are learned as first languages by children in a community.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,578, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.