Plus, there are a bunch of pronunciation tweaks that come from the tribal languages. The result is a mixture of early pidgin English with a lot of influences from African-Americans and standard English, Singler says. "So the war promoted English across Liberia." "To communicate with each other, they had to speak a common language," Singler says. Liberia has at least 16 (and perhaps as many as two-dozen or so, depending on where you draw the language line, Singler says).ĭuring the country's 14-year civil war, which ended a decade ago, people around Liberia were displaced. Elsewhere, people spoke their own tribal languages. "But in fact, English was already there - the West African variety, pidgin English."Īt first, this version of English was spoken mostly along Liberia's coast, among traders, Singler says. "People assume they brought English to Liberia," says linguist John Singler of New York University. Liberia was founded in the early 19th century by freed slaves from America. Liberian conversations are no different: They're filled with flair and aplomb. Instead, they carefully select fabrics with vibrant patterns and then have tailors sew impeccably fitted frocks. Even in tiny villages in the rain forest, men drive motorcycles wearing aviator sunglasses, gold watches and brightly colored polo shirts - yellow, pink or purple - sometimes with the collars turned up.Īt church on Sunday, women wouldn't dare wear a dress bought off the shelf. Siatta Scott Johnson (at right), who has guided NPR journalists through Liberia and its lingo, advises two girls on how best to carry bananas and bread.
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