Hawaiian Pidgin is a creole language, meaning a mixed language of two or more separate language groups with a developed vocabulary and a system of grammar. The language originated on sugarcane plantations as a form of communication between English speaking residents and the non-English. Since the plantation owners had workers from different countries, a common language was needed to conduct business. Hawaiian Pidgin was created as a means of communication between immigrants and Americans.
Soon after Hawaiian Pidgin started to be used outside of the plantations. In the 19thand 20thcentury, children learned Hawaiian Pidgin from classmates and parents growing up. It started to be a child’s native language. This is why linguists consider Hawaiian Pidgin a creole language because it can be a native language growing up. In 2015, The U.S. Census Bureau officially declared Pidgin as one of their official languages in Hawaii.
Soon after Hawaiian Pidgin started to be used outside of the plantations. In the 19thand 20thcentury, children learned Hawaiian Pidgin from classmates and parents growing up. It started to be a child’s native language. This is why linguists consider Hawaiian Pidgin a creole language because it can be a native language growing up. In 2015, The U.S. Census Bureau officially declared Pidgin as one of their official languages in Hawaii.
Difference between American English and Hawaiian Pidgin
There are phonetic differences between Standard American English and Hawaiian Pidgin such as the letter r is omitted after a vowel (example car is cah). The TH sound like in think, changes from a soft sound to a plosive T sound. The H is not in the word anymore:
American English: Think
Hawaiian Pidgin: Tink
When using words to express tense (past, present, future). There are differences between Standard American English and Hawaiian Pidgin. Below are examples. To express the past tense, American English uses –ed at the end of the verb whereas Hawaiian Pidgin mostly uses the wenas an auxiliary verb to show tense.
American English: Hannah cried.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah wen cry.
To express the future tense, American English uses –ing at the end of the verb whereas Hawaiian Pidgin mostly uses the goin as an auxiliary verb to show tense.
American English: Hannah is trying to get this paper done.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah goin try to pau da kine.
When an infinitive is being used, the word “to” is replaced by “fo’” meaning for:
American English: Hannah is trying to think.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah tryin’ fo’tink.
The verb “to be” is replaced by the word “stay” when referring to a temporary state or location.
American English: Hannah is at her home with her cats.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah stay home wit’ her cats.
American English: Think
Hawaiian Pidgin: Tink
When using words to express tense (past, present, future). There are differences between Standard American English and Hawaiian Pidgin. Below are examples. To express the past tense, American English uses –ed at the end of the verb whereas Hawaiian Pidgin mostly uses the wenas an auxiliary verb to show tense.
American English: Hannah cried.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah wen cry.
To express the future tense, American English uses –ing at the end of the verb whereas Hawaiian Pidgin mostly uses the goin as an auxiliary verb to show tense.
American English: Hannah is trying to get this paper done.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah goin try to pau da kine.
When an infinitive is being used, the word “to” is replaced by “fo’” meaning for:
American English: Hannah is trying to think.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah tryin’ fo’tink.
The verb “to be” is replaced by the word “stay” when referring to a temporary state or location.
American English: Hannah is at her home with her cats.
Hawaiian Pidgin: Hannah stay home wit’ her cats.
How Pidgin Can Be Spoken feat. Ryan Higa from YouTube |
Funny Video about Hawaiian Pidgin is now a Language |
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