Una welcome (welcome, everybody)
Learn Nigerian Pidgin
Nigerian Pidgin is the everyday language that connects Nigerians from every region. If you speak English you will recognize many words, and the rhythm is the fun part.
1. Read and listen
Pidgin is written and broadcast every day, at no cost.
- BBC News Pidgin, news, features, and audio written in Pidgin
2. See it written
Pidgin spelling varies, so reading a sample helps.
- Omniglot, a sample passage in Nigerian Pidgin
3. Practice with people you know
Nearly every Nigerian speaks Pidgin. Ask a relative, a friend, or a fellow member to chat in Pidgin with you, and listen for patterns.
Try your first words
Say them out loud. Pidgin spelling varies, so do not worry about getting it perfect.
How far?
Hello, how are you?
I dey fine
I am fine
Abeg
Please
Thank you o
Thank you
No wahala
No problem
Did you know?
Abeg, the Pidgin word for please, comes from the English words I beg. Once you spot patterns like that, Pidgin starts to feel familiar fast.
At the pharmacy counter or in the lab
- Greet first with How far? (hello), then ask How body? (how are you feeling?). Say Sorry o to someone who is unwell.
- Pidgin is widely understood, but it is not a replacement for a patient’s preferred language. Ask which language they would like to use.
- Use a qualified medical interpreter for counseling, consent, and medication instructions. More for pharmacists and scientists
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