What Are Pidgin & Creole?

Pidgin and creole languages are basically new languages derived from a combination of two or more languages. Because these are new languages, their vocabulary and grammar are often simplistic and rudimentary in nature.

Pidgin

Pidgin language evolves when two native speakers of different language groups try to establish a means of communication. The vocabulary is primarily derived from one of the languages and lacks a stable set of grammatical rules, especially in its early stages of development.

Creole

Creole language evolves when a pidgin language becomes the native language for a community and children begin learning it as their first language. Although most of its vocabulary originated from another language, it has developed its own unique set of grammatical rules.

History

Most pidgin and creole languages evolved as a result of European colonial expansion between 1500 and 1900. Consequently, many pidgin and creole languages are based on English, Spanish and French.

Examples of Pidgin

Examples of pidgin languages include Nigerian Pidgin; Russenorsk, a Russian and Norwegian pidgin; and Fanagalo, a South African pidgin. Hawaiian Pidgin has evolved into what many linguists refer to now as Hawaii Creole English, although many speakers still refer to it as Hawaiian Pidgin.

Examples of Creole

Examples of creole languages include Haitian Creole, a French-based language; Jamaican Creole English; Hawaii Creole English; Angolar Portuguese Creole; and Bislama, the English-based national language of Vanuatu.

References

• UNE: Language Varieties
• Minnesota State University eMuseum: Pidgins and Creoles