What "Pidgin English" *Used* to Mean:
* A simplified form of English: It referred to a language that developed as a means of communication between people speaking different languages, typically in situations of trade or colonization.
* Limited vocabulary and grammar: Pidgin languages were characterized by a reduced vocabulary, simplified grammar, and a borrowing of words from the languages of the people involved.
* No native speakers: Importantly, pidgins were not considered "native" languages, as they were learned as a second language by people from different backgrounds.
The Problem with the Term "Pidgin English":
The term "Pidgin English" has been criticized as:
* Eurocentric: It implies that English is the dominant language and that other languages are simply simplified versions of it.
* Demeaning: The term "pidgin" can be seen as derogatory, suggesting that the language is incomplete or inferior.
* Inaccurate: It can be confusing to refer to all pidgins based on English as "Pidgin English" when there are many distinct and complex pidgins with their own unique features.
Modern Usage and Preferred Terminology:
Today, linguists and scholars generally avoid using the term "Pidgin English". Instead, they prefer to use more specific and respectful terms:
* Pidgins: A general term for languages that develop as a result of contact between speakers of different languages.
* English-based creoles: Languages that have developed from pidgins and have become the native language of a community.
Examples of English-Based Pidgins and Creoles:
* Tok Pisin: A creole language spoken in Papua New Guinea.
* Jamaican Patois: A creole language spoken in Jamaica.
* Singlish: A pidgin language spoken in Singapore.
Conclusion:
While "Pidgin English" may have been used historically, it is no longer considered an accurate or respectful term. It is important to use more precise and nuanced terminology when discussing pidgins and creoles based on English.