Pidgin

pidgin n. (pjn) A simplified form of speech that is usually a mixture of two or more languages, has a rudimentary grammar and vocabulary, is used for communication between groups speaking different languages, and is not spoken as a first or native language.

My friends have always told me, "Your parents have an accent." Unless they were from Hawaii, they may have assumed my parents weren't native English speakers. My parents speak pidgin English but they switch to standard English when not around others from Hawaii. After studying linguistics in grad school, i was finally able to tell my dad that he was not just a Kona boy who never lost his accent, but one who is bidialectal and therefore linguistically complex. Ha! That's exactly what he said.

My favorite comedian: Rap Replinger "Poi Dog"
I listen to bit of Poi Dog at work sometimes when i need a good laugh...

Match the numbers and letters:

1. Who wen cockaroach da cookies?
2. Geev um!
3. Try wait!
4. No talk li'dat!
5. I go talk to you bumbye.
6. Shoots!
7. No make A, eh?

A. Hold on!
B. Try not to make a right fool of yourself!
C. Who ate/stole all the cookies?
D. Talk to you later.
E. Don't speak in that manner, it's unbecoming!
F. Bring it! (Give it your all)
G. Sure, I'm game!

Check your answers here! (Thanks Tara!)

i speak pidgin:

-with my parents and extended ohana
-with certain friends from Hawaii
-with Desiree but not Trinity
-when i'm tired and can't be asked to speak properly
-at times with Cappy (who is picking up pidgin slowly but surely)

Aloha and Happy Thanksgiving!