Chinese Pidgin English

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A language of Nauru

ISO 639-3
cpi
Alternate Names
China Coast Pidgin, Melanesian-Chinese Mixed Pidgin English
User Population

Several thousand speakers, spoken by most in Nauru (Wurm 2007).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Pidgin, English based, Pacific
Language Use

Beginning to be superseded by English [eng]. Commercial use, mainly in Chinese-run trade stores and restaurants.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chinese Pidgin English
Other Comments

Mixture of Melanesian and a Chinese type of pidgin English. In spite of low social status, it remains a viable everyday language in Nauru.