Grammars are robustly transmitted even during the emergence of creole languages

Nature Human Behavior • Vol/Iss. 2017(1) • Macmillan • • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Blasi, Damian E., Michaelis, Susanne Maria, Haspelmath, Martin

Abstract

The authors statistically test existing theories and proposals regarding the existence and nature of the creole language profile. Results indicate that consistencies and variation between creole languages, as with non-creole languages, is a result of genealogical and contact processes. However, creole languages are unique from non-creole languages in that they have more than one language in their ancestry. Findings "call into question the existence of a pidgin stage in creole development and of creole-specific innovations." Support is found for the idea that language learning and transmission are strikingly resilient processes.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: emily.pitek