The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has enriched its latest edition with 22 Nigerian words, highlighting Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy and linguistic creativity. This update underscores the global influence of Nigerian English.
Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, the OED’s Nigerian English consultant, expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary 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.”
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Among the new entries are terms like “419,” “Agbero,” “gele,” “Japa,” and “eba,” spanning various facets of Nigerian life, from cuisine to colloquialisms. Dr. Ugwuanyi, who contributed significantly to this update, noted, “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life.”
He also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind this achievement, stating, “This milestone is the result of years of collaboration and hard work, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”
The full list of newly added words is available on the OED website, each accompanied by definitions and pronunciations.
