Oxford English Dictionary Adds 3 New East African Words To be used Officially.

In a move to reflect the diversity of the English language, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added three new words from East Africa to its latest Edition.

The photo showing the Oxford English dictionary for Advanced learner's.

"Kitu kidogo", "Panya route", and "Rolex" - all originating from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda respectively,  have made their way into the esteemed dictionary.

"Kitu kidogo", a Swahili phrase meaning "something small", is commonly used in Kenya to refer to a bribe or a small gift.

"Panya route", a Tanzanian term, translates to "mouse route" and refers to unofficial or illegal routes used to avoid traffic or security checks.

"Rolex", a popular Ugandan street food, refers to a rolled chapati filled with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat.

The OED's decision to include these words reflects the growing influence of East African culture and language on the global stage.

"We are thrilled to see East African words being recognized and included in the Oxford English Dictionary," said Dr. Joyce Mwangi, a linguistics expert at the University of Nairobi. "This is a testament to the richness and diversity of our languages."

The OED's editor, Michael Proffitt, noted that the dictionary aims to reflect the ever-changing nature of language across the world.

"Language is constantly evolving, and we strive to capture its nuances and variations," Proffitt said. "These East African additions enrich our understanding of English and its global usage."

The inclusion of these words follows a trend of incorporating African languages and dialects into mainstream English.

The updated OED edition is set to be released in September this very year 2024.