A WEIRD JARGON

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12304, 19 April 1937, Page 3

A WEIRD JARGON

“PIDGIN” ENGLISH IN THE SOUTH SEAS “Along this rod mi wok About ’long ’im, ol 00l I stop. . . . Thus the familiar hymn, “Lead Kindly Light” was translated into pidgin English at the Australian missionary conference. The Chairman, the Rev. J. W. Burton, quoted from a booklet, “A Methodist Him Buk,” to illustrate the value of “pidgin” English as a means of communication in the South Seas. Certain hymns, he said, had been translated for the benefit of indentured labourers, and as an example, he referred to “Lead Kindly Light.” A literal translation of the second verse read as follows: “Along this rod mi wok. "There are many holes to stop • me. “Me afraid too much me fall down along him. “You helpnm me. “Suppose you me two fellow go one time. “Me no can fall; all same me go along day.” A report on missionary work in the South Seas described “pidgin” English as “a weird and wonderful jargon, which had to be heard to be believed.” A Bishop, for example, was described as “Number One, Topside, Heavenlee Walkie Man,” and a piano as “Box suppose you fight him he cry.” Shock for Magistrate Although “pidgin” English had undoubtedly served a. useful turn in districts and cases where a number of different languages were spoken, yet as a permanent means of education, the report added, it was unsuitable and hopeless. Missionaries were diligently studying the native tongues and in some cases, only pure English or the native tongue was allowed. The Rev. C. W. Whonsbon-Aston said that in one case a native teacher from his mission, when giving evidence, was questioned by the magistrate in “pidgin” English. He replied; “I have been told that there are only two languages—pure English and my native language. I do not understand you.” Proceedings, said the missionary, became a great deal more dignified. The Rev. H. L. Hurst said he favoured a system of basic English for use in the Islands.