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Summary
A pidgin (pronounced /ˈpɪdʒɪn/) language is a simplified language that develops as a means of...
Content
A pidgin (pronounced /ˈpɪdʒɪn/) 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 learned 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.
The origin of the word pidgin is uncertain. The first time pidgin appeared in print was in 1850 and there are many sources from which the word may be derived. For example:
The word pidgin,
Created by:
Freebase Data Team
Oct 22, 2006
Last edited by:
Freebase Data Team
Oct 22, 2006
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