Gambian English

This entry discusses the status and the functions of the English language and its specific features in The Gambia. It looks at the phonological, lexical and syntactic markers distinguishing Gambian English from other varieties of West African English. Gambian English is relatively homogeneous and highly recognisable by a multitude of stable exclusive structural features. This is due to the influence of certain indigenous languages on English, the daily interaction between these languages in the western urban centres in particular and a quasi‐standard orientation resulting therefrom.