Sapos Yu Kisim Bagarap?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:22 am
While doing some research into English language usage, I came upon a rather charming little booklet on Pidgin English. I was quite surprised to learn that Pidgin languages are still used in news broadcasts, safety instructions, newspapers and advertising on many regions around the world.
This is from a Papua New Guinea road safety handbook written in the local Pidgin language called Tok Pisin. The English translation follows.
“Sapos yu kisim bagarap, kisim namba bilong narapela draiva. Sapos yu ken kisim naim bilong em na adres tu, na tokim polis long en. Noken paitim em o tok nogut long em.”
“If you have an accident, get the other driver’s number. If possible his name and address and report it to the police. Do not fight him or abuse him.”
And this nursery rhyme which requires no translation:
“Dis smol swain i bin go fo maket,
Dis smol swain i bin stei fo haus.
Dis smol swain i bin chop sup witi fufu,
Dis smol swain i no bin chop no noting.
An dis smol swain i bin go wi, wi, wi soter fo haus.”
This is from a Papua New Guinea road safety handbook written in the local Pidgin language called Tok Pisin. The English translation follows.
“Sapos yu kisim bagarap, kisim namba bilong narapela draiva. Sapos yu ken kisim naim bilong em na adres tu, na tokim polis long en. Noken paitim em o tok nogut long em.”
“If you have an accident, get the other driver’s number. If possible his name and address and report it to the police. Do not fight him or abuse him.”
And this nursery rhyme which requires no translation:
“Dis smol swain i bin go fo maket,
Dis smol swain i bin stei fo haus.
Dis smol swain i bin chop sup witi fufu,
Dis smol swain i no bin chop no noting.
An dis smol swain i bin go wi, wi, wi soter fo haus.”