Japa, eba, suya and other Nigerian words now in Oxford Dictionary…here’s what to know
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In testament to the ever-increasing Nigeria’s rich linguistic repertoire and cultural influence, the Oxford University Press has acknowledged the global relevance of Nigerian words by adding selected popular words to its new dictionary edition.
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This news was made known through the LinkedIn post of Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, the Nigerian English Consultant to the OED, on Wednesday, 7th January, 2025.
Dr. Ugwuanyi said, “The wait is over! I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) 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.”
He also went further to reveal that he did not just draft the words but also added a voiced pronunciation. In his words, “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my #voice bringing these words to life.”
What to know about the newly added Nigerian words
A total of twenty-two words were added to the newly updated Oxford English Dictionary. They are:
419
Abi
Adire
Agbero
Area boy
Cross-carpet
Cross-carpeting
Eba
Edo
Gele
Jand (noun)
Jand (verb)
Janded
Japa (noun)
Japa (verb)
Kanuri
Kobo
Naija
Suya
Yahoo
Yahoo boy
Yarn dust
When Nigerian words first entered the Oxford Lexicon and all about it
Nigerian words entered the Oxford English Dictionary lexicon in the January 2020 update, with 29 words.
A Nigerian ardent PhD researcher at Northumbria University, Kingsley Ugwuanyi was consulted on the inclusion of Nigerian English words in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Now again in 2025, he did not just draft an additional 22 words; he also added a pronunciation voice accompaniment to it.
This shows that Nigeria is gaining global recognition for its unique English despite its economic situation.
Nigerians at home and in the diaspora once again extended their heartfelt gratitude to the erudite scholar for putting Nigeria in the limelight once again.
