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What substrate language significantly influences Nigerian Pidgin phonology and lexicon besides English?



Besides English, Yoruba significantly influences Nigerian Pidgin phonology and lexicon. While English serves as the primary source of vocabulary for Nigerian Pidgin (the superstrate language), the substrate languages, especially Yoruba, but also Igbo and Hausa, have contributed to its phonological features and lexicon. Yoruba, being a tonal language, has influenced the tone patterns found in Nigerian Pidgin. Additionally, some words and expressions in Nigerian Pidgin are derived from Yoruba, reflecting the influence of this language on the pidgin's development. Therefore, Yoruba stands out as a key substrate language shaping both the sounds and vocabulary of Nigerian Pidgin.