Language (Pigeon English)

This section explores the language used in Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman. In Pigeon English, Stephen Kelman uses distinctive language techniques to bring Harri Opoku’s perspective to life. The novel is narrated from Harri’s point of view, capturing his youthful, innocent voice and the unique way he interprets the world around him. Through his language choices, Kelman gives readers insight into Harri's cultural background, his attempt to adapt to British society, and his struggle to understand the violence and hardship of his environment. The language in the novel is a blend of English, Ghanaian slang, and childlike expressions, making it both authentic and impactful.

Key Aspects of Language in Pigeon English

Use of Pidgin and Ghanaian Slang

Harri’s language is influenced by the Ghanaian Pidgin English he would have spoken in Ghana. Terms like "asweh" (meaning "I swear") and "hutious" (meaning "scary") are frequent in his speech, reflecting his cultural heritage and marking his identity as a Ghanaian immigrant.

These linguistic choices give the narrative an authentic feel and allow readers to appreciate Harri’s unique voice. The blend of Pidgin and British English illustrates Harri’s position as an outsider, who is both adapting to his new life and holding on to his roots.

Through Harri’s speech, Kelman highlights the experiences of immigrant children, who often create a hybrid language as they attempt to bridge their native culture and the demands of British society.

Childlike Narration and Innocent Perspective

Harri is only eleven years old, and his narration is filled with curiosity and naivety. His descriptions are simple and literal, as he often struggles to grasp the complexities of the adult world around him. For instance, he describes blood as "like red jelly" and interprets everyday situations in imaginative, sometimes humorous ways.

This innocent perspective creates a powerful contrast with the darker events in the story, like the murder investigation and gang violence. Harri's limited understanding intensifies the reader's awareness of the dangers he faces and the tragic nature of his environment.

His childlike expressions often bring moments of levity but also create a sense of dramatic irony, as readers understand the danger he’s in even when he doesn’t. Kelman uses Harri’s perspective to evoke both empathy and tension, helping readers see the world through his young eyes.

Observational and Sensory Language

Harri’s narration is rich with sensory details, reflecting his curiosity and observational nature. He notices colours, smells, and sounds, which makes his world feel vivid and immediate. Descriptions like “the sky is blue like the sea,” or "the air smells of smoke and rubbish," give a sensory layer to the text that draws readers into his experiences.

Kelman uses Harri’s senses to show the liveliness and, at times, the harshness of urban life. This helps readers to feel Harri’s presence in London and understand his responses to the unfamiliar surroundings, making the cityscape feel simultaneously exciting and intimidating.

Figurative Language and Similes

Harri often uses similes to explain things he doesn’t fully understand, linking them to familiar images from his life in Ghana or observations from his new life in England. For example, he might describe someone as "fast as a plane," using his imagination to make sense of his world.

This use of figurative language adds warmth and humour to his narration, and his playful comparisons help readers connect with his youthful perspective. At the same time, these similes reveal his limited understanding of complex topics like death and violence, highlighting his vulnerability.

Dialogue and Colloquial Speech

The dialogue in Pigeon English is natural and colloquial, reflecting the way children and teenagers speak. Harri and his friends use slang typical of young people in urban London, incorporating phrases like “innit” and “bruv,” which contribute to the authenticity of the novel’s setting.

The contrast between Harri’s Ghanaian slang and his classmates’ London slang highlights his sense of being caught between two cultures, as he tries to fit in with his peers while retaining his identity.

This colloquial dialogue also gives insight into the social dynamics of Harri’s community, where speaking a certain way can be a marker of belonging or exclusion. The use of slang and informal language helps Kelman convey the pressures Harri faces to adapt and be accepted.

Symbolic Use of Pigeons and Pigeon Imagery

The title, Pigeon English, itself refers to Harri’s blend of languages, but the pigeon also symbolises Harri’s experience in London. Throughout the novel, Harri frequently observes and interacts with pigeons, seeing them as companions and even talking to them.

Pigeons represent resilience and adaptability, much like Harri himself, who must adjust to his new life in a challenging environment. They also symbolise innocence, as Harri often watches pigeons in wonder, finding joy in these simple observations despite the harsh reality around him.

Harri’s fascination with pigeons reflects his innocence and need for escapism. They become a symbolic presence in the novel, showing his desire to stay hopeful and free even in difficult circumstances.

Use of Humour and Light-hearted Language

Despite the serious themes, Kelman uses Harri’s humour and playful language to lighten the tone. Harri often makes funny observations, and his imaginative interpretations of adult concepts bring a sense of joy to the narrative.

This humour underscores his childlike innocence and allows Kelman to address heavy topics without overwhelming readers with bleakness. The light-hearted language serves as a reminder of Harri’s youth and resilience, making the moments of darkness even more impactful.

A Summary of the Language used  in Pigeon English

Authentic Voice: Kelman’s use of Pidgin, Ghanaian slang, and London slang creates a distinctive and realistic voice for Harri, reflecting his identity as an immigrant adapting to a new culture.

Contrast and Irony: Harri’s innocent and literal narration contrasts sharply with the novel’s darker themes, creating a sense of irony that intensifies the reader’s understanding of his vulnerability.

Symbolism: Language and imagery surrounding pigeons symbolise Harri’s resilience and innocence, adding a layer of meaning to his experiences in London.

Humour and Empathy: Harri’s humour and imaginative language make him an engaging and sympathetic narrator, allowing readers to connect with him while exploring serious social issues.

Through Pigeon English, Kelman uses language to provide readers with a window into Harri’s world, allowing us to see the difficulties of urban life, gang culture, and immigration through the hopeful yet naïve perspective of a child.