The varilingual repertoire of Tobagonian speakers
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Valerie Youssef
Abstract
This paper challenges the creole continuum model as the most accurate descriptor of language development in Caribbean sociolinguistic complexes for the present. The model was constrained by its time and by quantitative generalization which lost sight of the individual as the locus of change. Much has changed internally since the late 1960’s to render models which predict continuous change towards the acrolect inapplicable. If we now focus on the balancing of language varieties in the individual, we can extend our focus to relevant community groups, taking into consideration both socio-economic factors and social-psychological factors for the society as a whole as well as for the individuals concerned. What emerges is a mixed but structured varilingual competence representative of a social-psychological reality which demands balancing codes rather than shifting in time from one to another. Further, language use cannot be effectively described without considering individual attitudes and community ideologies.
Abstract
This paper challenges the creole continuum model as the most accurate descriptor of language development in Caribbean sociolinguistic complexes for the present. The model was constrained by its time and by quantitative generalization which lost sight of the individual as the locus of change. Much has changed internally since the late 1960’s to render models which predict continuous change towards the acrolect inapplicable. If we now focus on the balancing of language varieties in the individual, we can extend our focus to relevant community groups, taking into consideration both socio-economic factors and social-psychological factors for the society as a whole as well as for the individuals concerned. What emerges is a mixed but structured varilingual competence representative of a social-psychological reality which demands balancing codes rather than shifting in time from one to another. Further, language use cannot be effectively described without considering individual attitudes and community ideologies.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
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Part I. Variation and linguistic systems
- Revisiting variation between sa and o in Sranan 13
- Inherent variability and coexistent systems 39
- Putting individuals back in contact 57
- Relative markers in spoken Standard Jamaican English 79
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Part II. Variation and identity
- “Flying at half-mast”? Voices, genres, and orthographies in Barbadian Creole* 107
- The creole continuum and individual agency 133
- Language attitudes and linguistic awareness in Jamaican English 163
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Part III. Variation and the community
- The varilingual repertoire of Tobagonian speakers 191
- On the emergence of new language varieties 207
- ‘Creole’ and youth language in a British inner-city community 231
- Le Page’s theoretical and applied legacy in sociolinguistics and creole studies 251
- Name index 273
- Subject index 275
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
-
Part I. Variation and linguistic systems
- Revisiting variation between sa and o in Sranan 13
- Inherent variability and coexistent systems 39
- Putting individuals back in contact 57
- Relative markers in spoken Standard Jamaican English 79
-
Part II. Variation and identity
- “Flying at half-mast”? Voices, genres, and orthographies in Barbadian Creole* 107
- The creole continuum and individual agency 133
- Language attitudes and linguistic awareness in Jamaican English 163
-
Part III. Variation and the community
- The varilingual repertoire of Tobagonian speakers 191
- On the emergence of new language varieties 207
- ‘Creole’ and youth language in a British inner-city community 231
- Le Page’s theoretical and applied legacy in sociolinguistics and creole studies 251
- Name index 273
- Subject index 275
