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Pidgin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about simplified languages. For the instant messaging client, see Pidgin (software).
Not to be confused with Pigeon.

A pidgin (pronounced /ˈpɪdʒən/) language is a simplified language that develops as a means of communication between two or more groups that do not have a language in common, in situations such as trade, or where both groups speak languages different to the language of the country in which they reside (but there is no common language between the groups). A 'pidgin' language is, fundamentally, a simplified means of linguistic communication, as is constructed impromptu, or by convention, between groups of people. A 'pidgin' language is not the native language of any speech community, but is instead learnt as a second language. A 'Pidgin' language may be built from words, sounds, or body language from multiple other languages / cultures. 'Pidgin' languages usually have low prestige with respect to other languages.
Not all simplified or "broken" forms of a language (patois) are 'pidgin'. Each 'pidgin' language has its own norms of usage which must be learned to speak the 'pidgin' language well.

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Common traits among pidgin languages
Since a 'pidgin' language strives to be a simple and effective form of communication, the grammar and phonology are usually as simple as possible, and usually consist of:

• Uncomplicated clausal structure (e.g., no embedded clauses, etc)
• Reduction or elimination of syllable codas
• Reduction of consonant clusters or breaking them with epenthesis
• Basic vowels, such as /a/ /e/ /i/ /o/ /u/
• No tones, such as those found in West African and Asian languages
• Use of separate words to indicate tense, usually preceding the verb
• Use of reduplication to represent plurals, superlatives, and other parts of speech that represent the concept being increased
• A lack of morphophonemic variation

Pidgin development

The creation of a pidgin usually requires:

• Prolonged, regular contact between the different language communities
• A need to communicate between them
• An absence of (or absence of widespread proficiency in) a widespread, accessible interlanguage