Slang and Colloquialism in Cameroon English Verbal Discourse

Abstract

The study investigates features of slang and colloquialism in Cameroon English verbal discourse which have been created through the following processes – coinage, semantic extension, clipping, reduplication, double subjects, and pidgin-induced structures. It observes that these features of Cameroon verbal discourse are a quintessential development for the identity of non-native varieties of English around the world. The study contributes to the production of feature supplements to the usage of contemporary English in non-native settings. It recommends the codification of this linguistic inventiveness, especially among the young and lively people, in quest of fresh, original, pungent expressions to rename ideas, actions and entities in Cameroon English. All these juvenile qualities combine to give free reign to the impulse to play with the language, making it creative and refreshing.