Description
Book SynopsisThis major 2001 work explores the development of creoles and other new languages, focusing on the conceptual and methodological issues they raise for genetic linguistics. Drawing on major theories of language formation, macroecology and population genetics, Mufwene proposes a common approach to the development of creoles and other new languages.
Trade Review"Mufwene's proposals will undoubtedly interest linguists and theorists of evolution alike." Interdisciplinary Journal for Germanic Linguistics and Semiotic Analysis
Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. The founder principle in the development of creoles; 3. The development of American Englishes: factoring contact in and the social bias out; 4. The legitimate and illegitimate offspring of English; 5. What research on the development of creoles can contribute to genetic linguistics; 6. Language contact, evolution and death: how ecology rolls the dice; 7. Past and recent population movements in Africa: their impact on its linguistic landscape; 8. Conclusions for the big picture.
