“PIDGIN” ENGLISH TAUGHT

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23848, 18 January 1943, Page 3

“PIDGIN” ENGLISH TAUGHT

SOLDIERS FOR PACIFIC

SERVICE STUDY OF NATIVE WAYS OF LIFE (0.C.) SYDNEY, January 8. In future Australian soldiers who fight in the Pacific Islands will be better instructed to meet strange conditions than the men who have learned by bitter experience in the Papuan campaign against the Japanese. Among other things, the soldiers will be taught “pidgin” English, how to obtain food and help from natives, the customs ot the tribes, and other features of native life. . . The instructors selected for training the troops are members of the New Guinea Forces. They have, compiled a guide which illustrates the main features of the special knowledge. "It is possible to learn pidgin only by talking the language,” the instructions say. "Personnel are advised to practise among themselves and with their instructors. It is not difficult to master, and a knowledge of this ‘lingua franca’ among Pacific Island natives may overcome difficulties.” The glossary contains, as an example of the personal pronoun in pidgin, the conjugation of the (verb “to go.” In the singular this reads, “Me go, you go, ’im ’e go,” meaning ,‘T go, you go, he goes”; and in the plural, “Me fella altogether go, you fella altogether go, ’em 'e altogether go,” meaning “We are going, you are going, they are going.” The guide, which will be issued to the troops, explains that the “tul tul” is the native village interpreter, and second in command the “luluai” or “Kukurai” (headman of the village, who is approached through the tul tul), and that the paramount luluai controls a number of villages. It explains that payment for food from native gardens should be made to the tul tul or luluai, and that if it is desired to spend a night in the village the luluai should be asked to show the visitors the "house kiap,” set aside for European visitors.

“Cleanliness is the basis of successful soldiering in the tropics,” it is stated. “A personal medicine chest is desirable. Eat any native fruits or vegetables that the natives themselves eat. Drink always plenty of good water, which should always be boiled.” The training which is now being given to prospective fighters in the tropical areas includes lessons on tropical hygiene. Naturalists are instructing soldiers in special training depots in the vegetation, foodstuffs, and animals of the islands. In some cases an effort is being made to instruct them in Japanese psychology.