Broken English refers to a poorly spoken or written version of English, usually used by non-native speakers, characterized by fragmented sentences and faulty syntax. The document provides examples of Broken English from Nigeria, Australia, and literature, illustrating how it varies across cultures and contexts. It also highlights the use of Broken English in literary works to denote foreignness or lack of education, while also being employed for artistic expression.

1. SPOKEN ENGLISH
BROKEN ENGLISH

2. WHAT IS BROKEN ENGLISH?
Broken English is a poorly spoken or ill-written version of the English
language used by a non-native speaker.
Broken English may be fragmented, incomplete, and/or marked by
faulty syntax and inappropriate diction.

3. BROKEN ENGLISH IN NIGERIA
Abeg
[Ah-beg]
1. Please
Ex: Abeg make we go store. (Let’s go to the store
please.)
Chop
[Chop]
1. To eat
Ex: You wan chop? (Do you want to eat?)
Wahala
[Wah-ha-lah]
1. Problem
Ex: No wahala, I go move. (No problem, I’ll move)
2. Trouble
Ex: Wahala dey come. (Trouble is coming.)

4. BROKEN ENGLISH IN AUSTRALIA
“– G’day, mate. Are you playing footy today?
- No, I’m going to a Barbie at a bush station. There’ll be plenty of the
amber fluid, and the tucker’s bronzer. Why don’t you come too?
- Ta, I’m busy in the arvo. I’m going to see my Sheila. She’s crook.
- Well, good on yer, mate.”
Australian
English
Standard
English
- Good day, friend. Are you playing football
today?
- No, I’m going to a barbecue in the
countryside. There’ll be a lot of beer and
the food is very good. Why don’t you
come too?
- Thank you, I’m busy in the afternoon.
I’m going to see my girlfriend. She is ill.
- Well, good luck, friend.

5. BROKEN ENGLISH IN LITERATURE
For example, in Henry V, William Shakespeare used broken English in
Katherine’s speech. When Henry himself last implores the French princess
Katherine to marry him, knowing that her command of the English language
is limited, he says to her:
“Come, your answer in broken music;
for thy voice is music and thy English broken;
therefore, queen of all, Katherine,
break thy mind to me in broken English".
In literature, broken English is often used to depict
the foreignness of a character, or that character's
lack of intelligence or education. However, poets
have also intentionally used broken English to
create a desired artistic impression

6. BROKEN ENGLISH IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES

7. BROKEN ENGLISH IN UKRAINE