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The twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago has a complex history that has resulted in a unique English language, shaped by all members of its multi-ethnic community. Using the historical principles of the Oxford English Dictionary, Lise Winer presents the first scholarly dictionary of this unique language.
The Caribbean Review of Books recently reviewed Dictionary of the English/Creole of Trinidad & Tobago:
"Winer correctly errs on the side of inclusiveness, and this allows her to capture such wonderful words as nyeng-nyeng (crybaby), which I intend to use when the next opportunity arises.
…
Nearly every page provides historical tidbits like these, from the corrupting influence of the Americans (Jean and Dinah, Yankee password), to the consonant shifts and compressions of French Creole (jammet, jablesse, zwill, and zwazo — “having an odour like a bird, esp. a wet one”), and even the odd traces of dialect English (nashy). There is also a good deal of illuminating conjecture as to how other cultures may have coloured the meanings of phrases that look entirely English. For instance, does the use of nature for libido and virility (as in “cigarette smoking can cut your nature”) come from the Spanish natura (“genitals”) or naturaleza (“sexual desire”)? I’m not sure, but both suggestions are thought-provoking."
Read the full review to learn how the Trinbagonian expression "Tom, Dick and Harrilal" came to be.
Click here to order Dictionary of the English/Creole of Trinidad & Tobago
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