The Differences and Similarities Between Pidgin and Creole Languages
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- Category: English: Creative Writing
- Date Submitted: 07/18/2015 02:35 AM
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The Differences and Similarities between Pidgin and Creole Languages
Introduction
Pidgin and creole languages evolve through necessity when societies that speak different languages come into contact, and there is a requirement for the two groups to communicate. At the simplest level, this communication will be through pidgin, which is a very basic, or, at a more advanced level, the development and use of a creole. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the differences and similarities between pidgin and creole languages in the context of: language changes as a result of the collision of societies; the fundamental characteristics of pidgins and creoles: their formation and development, including their resemblance to first and second language acquisition: the social functions that are served: and the problems that their speakers have with these languages.
How do languages change suddenly when societies collide?
When two societies collide there is a clear requirement for a common language. In its simplest form, such a language would be restricted to contact communication and would be rudimentary but sufficient for basic trade and business purposes. Such occasions may arise between two nations that wish to enter into trade or, under darker circumstances, when one nation imposes its will on another for imperialistic gain (during the era of the slave trade, colonisation and plantation management). Whatever the circumstances, a lingua franca is required. The simplest type of language to evolve would be a pidgin, a method of communication restricted to a few basic words, accompanied by tone and body language. Under certain circumstances, particularly where a collection of languages has to be supplanted by a single common language, a new language, with its roots in several other established languages may emerge as a creole.
What are pidgins & creoles?
A ‘pidgin’ has no native speakers and is used as a lingua franca in a region where different peoples mix but...
Introduction
Pidgin and creole languages evolve through necessity when societies that speak different languages come into contact, and there is a requirement for the two groups to communicate. At the simplest level, this communication will be through pidgin, which is a very basic, or, at a more advanced level, the development and use of a creole. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the differences and similarities between pidgin and creole languages in the context of: language changes as a result of the collision of societies; the fundamental characteristics of pidgins and creoles: their formation and development, including their resemblance to first and second language acquisition: the social functions that are served: and the problems that their speakers have with these languages.
How do languages change suddenly when societies collide?
When two societies collide there is a clear requirement for a common language. In its simplest form, such a language would be restricted to contact communication and would be rudimentary but sufficient for basic trade and business purposes. Such occasions may arise between two nations that wish to enter into trade or, under darker circumstances, when one nation imposes its will on another for imperialistic gain (during the era of the slave trade, colonisation and plantation management). Whatever the circumstances, a lingua franca is required. The simplest type of language to evolve would be a pidgin, a method of communication restricted to a few basic words, accompanied by tone and body language. Under certain circumstances, particularly where a collection of languages has to be supplanted by a single common language, a new language, with its roots in several other established languages may emerge as a creole.
What are pidgins & creoles?
A ‘pidgin’ has no native speakers and is used as a lingua franca in a region where different peoples mix but...