Beyond basic communication, what other significant role do pidgin languages often fulfill in multilingual communities?

Beyond basic communication, pidgin languages often serve as languages of wider communication in multilingual communities, fostering inter-ethnic relations and trade. They facilitate interaction between different linguistic groups, allowing people to conduct business, share information, and build social connections across ethnic lines. For example, in countries like Nigeria or Papua New Guinea, where numerous indigenous languages are spoken, Nigerian Pidgin and Tok Pisin respectively act as lingua francas, enabling people from different regions and ethnic backgrounds to communicate effectively. This role extends beyond simple transactional exchanges to include cultural exchange and the development of a shared identity.