Le Page’s theoretical and applied legacy in sociolinguistics and creole studies
-
John R. Rickford
Abstract
This paper reviews Robert B. Le Page’s contributions to creole linguistics, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics, combining a critical and academic viewpoint with the personal perspective of a sociolinguist whose career and work have been deeply influenced by Le Page. The conclusion reflects on how linguists and educators can ideally build on Le Page’s legacy. Following his example, we can make our most useful contributions by continuing to make sociolinguistic research bear on curricula in schools and universities. Meanwhile, the field of Caribbean sociolinguistics continues to offer vast opportunity for original empirical research and theoretical thinking that should develop and supersede Le Page’s most lasting contribution in this area, the Acts of Identity model.
Abstract
This paper reviews Robert B. Le Page’s contributions to creole linguistics, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics, combining a critical and academic viewpoint with the personal perspective of a sociolinguist whose career and work have been deeply influenced by Le Page. The conclusion reflects on how linguists and educators can ideally build on Le Page’s legacy. Following his example, we can make our most useful contributions by continuing to make sociolinguistic research bear on curricula in schools and universities. Meanwhile, the field of Caribbean sociolinguistics continues to offer vast opportunity for original empirical research and theoretical thinking that should develop and supersede Le Page’s most lasting contribution in this area, the Acts of Identity model.
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
