Ghanaian Pidgin English

Ghanaian Pidgin English (GhaPE), also known as Kru English (or, in Akan, kroo brofo), is a variety of West African Pidgin English spoken in Ghana, predominantly in the southern towns and the capital, Accra.[2] It is confined to a smaller section of society than other West African creoles, and is more stigmatized,[2] perhaps due to the presence of Twi as the lingua franca of choice.

GhPE can be divided into two varieties, referred to as "uneducated" or "non-institutionalized" pidgin and "educated" or "institutionalized" pidgin, the former associated with uneducated or illiterate people and the latter acquired and used in institutions such as universities.[3] A particularly basic variety used by illiterate speakers is sometimes called "Minimal Pidgin".[3] Although other languages of Ghana are available to them, students, particularly males, use Pidgin as a means of expressing solidarity, camaraderie and youthful rebellion. Today, this form of Pidgin can be heard in a variety of informal contexts, although it still carries a certain stigma. In some cases, educators have unsuccessfully attempted to ban the use of pidgin.[4]

It is a variety of West African Pidgin English, like Nigerian Pidgin.[5] The use of words from Nigerian pidgin such as "abi", "dey", "ein" and "commot" (the first three words are used often by both Nigerian and Ghanaian speakers) shows the basic relationship. Nigerians who settled in Ghana and vice versa have been major factors in the development and use of the language. When spoken, it can be difficult for Nigerian pidgin speakers to understand Ghanaian speakers. However, because of the influence of Nollywood, it is fairly easier for Ghanaians in general to understand Nigerian pidgin. Furthermore, unlike Nigerian pidgin, the use of Ghanaian pidgin is gendered. Women are less likely to use Ghanaian Pidgin, and mixed-gender groups more often converse in standard Ghanaian English or another language.[6]

Also, young educated men who were raised outside Accra and Tema very often don't know it until they come into contact with others who do at boarding school in secondary school or at university. But that might be changing as Accra-born students go to cities such as Ghana's second city Kumasi to study at university and so could help gain the language new diverse speakers.

Over the years, some young Ghanaian writers have taken to writing literary pieces like short stories in GhPE as an act of protest.[7] GhPE has also seen expression in songs and movies and in advertisements.