On the emergence of new language varieties
-
Bettina Migge
Abstract
Creoles are traditionally assumed to lack stylistic depth. Researchers recognize a basilectal variety and/or a mesolect, which is generally assumed to result from contact between the basilect and a European language. While the historical foundation of this model has been much called into question, the sociolinguistic premises have received relatively little attention. This paper addresses this issue by exploring current sociolinguistic practices in the Eastern Maroon community based on data from participant observation, findings from a questionnaire-based language survey, and an analysis of natural recordings in French Guiana. The paper demonstrates that the Eastern Maroon Creole has distinct regional and stylistic varieties that play an important role in the identity politics of the community. Due to ongoing social change, they are undergoing social and linguistic changes, and new styles of speaking are emerging. Change is by no means unidirectional and is conditioned by a range of social forces.
Abstract
Creoles are traditionally assumed to lack stylistic depth. Researchers recognize a basilectal variety and/or a mesolect, which is generally assumed to result from contact between the basilect and a European language. While the historical foundation of this model has been much called into question, the sociolinguistic premises have received relatively little attention. This paper addresses this issue by exploring current sociolinguistic practices in the Eastern Maroon community based on data from participant observation, findings from a questionnaire-based language survey, and an analysis of natural recordings in French Guiana. The paper demonstrates that the Eastern Maroon Creole has distinct regional and stylistic varieties that play an important role in the identity politics of the community. Due to ongoing social change, they are undergoing social and linguistic changes, and new styles of speaking are emerging. Change is by no means unidirectional and is conditioned by a range of social forces.
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
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
