English and drama

Pidgins and Creoles

Module code: Q1086B
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module is an introduction to pidgin and creole languages. It focuses on their structural properties – morphology, syntax and phonology.

Grammatical properties discussed include word order, tense, mood and aspect systems, serial verb constructions, relative clauses and information structure.

Phonological properties discussed include a description of creole sound systems and their prosodic properties, from syllable structure to tone.

We’ll examine the unique sociocultural history of pidgins and creoles, including:

• theoretical approaches to their emergence
• the circumstances under which creole formation can occur
• theories concerning the origin of the grammatical features found in creoles.

Finally, the module will also provide a typological survey of creoles. We’ll look at creoles from around the world, and creoles with different lexifier languages, beside English.

Module learning outcomes

• Define and explain certain morphological, syntactic and phonological features of pidgin and creole languages.
• Explain and critically evaluate certain theoretical approaches to these phenomena.
• Implement this acquired knowledge in the analysis of natural language data from pidgin and creole varieties.
• Demonstrate a critical approach to theory construction.