Pidgin Bantu

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A language of South Africa

ISO 639-3
fng
Alternate Names
Basic Zulu, “Fanagalo” (pej.), Fanagoloi, “Fanakalo” (pej.), “Fanekolo” (pej.), “Isikula” (pej.), Isilololo, Isipiki, Lololo, Piki, Silunguboi
Population

Several hundred thousand L2 speakers in South Africa (Reinecke et al. 1975).

Location

Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

Classification
Pidgin, Zulu based
Dialects

Zambia dialect is called Cikabanga; in Zimbabwe, it is called, Chilapalapa. Influenced by Shona [sna] in Zimbabwe. About 70% of the vocabulary in Zimbabwe comes from Zulu [zul], 24% from English [eng], 6% from Afrikaans [afr]. Influenced by Bemba [bem] in Zambia. Lexical similarity: 70% with Zulu [zul], 24% with English [eng], 6% with Afrikaans [afr].

Language Use

Used widely in towns and gold, diamond, coal, and copper mining areas. Second language only.

Language Development
Dictionary.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Pidgin Bantu
Other Comments

Originated in 19th century. “Fanagalo” and most or all other names are pejorative.

Also spoken in:

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