First, pidgin is a reduced form of a language that is typically used for communication in trade or other situations where speakers of different languages need to communicate. Pidgin does not have standard grammar and its vocabulary is drawn from the various languages spoken by its users. Lingua franca, on the other hand, is a full-fledged language that has been specifically designed for communication between people from different linguistic backgrounds. It has standard grammar and a large vocabulary that draws on all the languages it is used to communicate with.
The main difference between pidgin and lingua franca lies in their origins. Pidgins develop spontaneously as people need to find a way to communicate with each other.
What is Pidgin?
Pidgin is a language that is typically used as a means of communication between two people who do not share a common language. Pidgin languages are not necessarily grammatically correct, and often feature words and phrases borrowed from other languages. Pidgin is typically used in situations where formal communication is not required, such as between friends or informal business dealings. Pidgin is also commonly used in regions where there is a wide diversity of languages, making it easier for people from different backgrounds to communicate with one another. While Pidgin is not an official language, it can be an important tool for promoting communication and understanding between people from different cultures.
What is Lingua Franca?
Lingua Franca is a language that is used as a common means of communication between people who speak different native languages. It is often a pidgin or creole language, which means that it has simplified grammar and vocabulary drawn from multiple languages.
- In many cases, Lingua Franca develops in areas where people from different linguistic backgrounds come into contact with one another, such as in trading ports or colonial settlements.
- The term “Lingua Franca” comes from the Latin phrase “lingua franca”, which literally means “Frankish tongue”. This was originally used to refer to the Vulgar Latin spoken by Romance-language speakers in the medieval era.
- However, the term has since been broadened to encompass any language that serves as a common means of communication between people who speak different native languages.
Difference between Pidgin and Lingua Franca
Pidgin and Lingua Franca both refer to a simplified form of communication that develops between groups who do not share a common language. However, there are some important distinctions between the two. Pidgin is typically used as a second language, while Lingua Franca is typically used as a third or fourth language.
Pidgin is also more likely to be used in informal settings, while Lingua Franca is more likely to be used in formal settings. Finally, Pidgin is less likely to have standardized grammar and vocabulary, while Lingua Franca is more likely to have both. As a result of these differences, Pidgin and Lingua Franca serve different functions in the world of language.
Conclusion
What is the difference between pidgin and lingua franca? Pidgins are typically developed in areas of trade, where people from different language backgrounds need to communicate. Lingua francas, on the other hand, are languages that are specifically designed for international communication. While pidgins can become official languages in certain countries (like Papua New Guinea), lingua francas always remain, second-class citizens, when compared to national languages.
