Anaphoric reference in creoles and noncreoles

Abstract

Anaphoric referential mechanisms are comparatively analyzed in a creole-related set of varieties (the Belizean continuum) and a noncreole language variety (formal and informal styles of American English), with the intent to evaluate the claim that creole languages display linguistic systems distinct from those of other languages. Three categories of topic referents (nominal, pronominal, and periphrastic) are identified in 27 Belizean texts and 12 American texts, and the effect on referent choice of two variables (topic number and stylistic/lectal context) are investigated. Some of the resulting findings inclued: (1) Singl-topic samples display consistent referential strategies in all Belizean lects, whereas multitopic texts indicate lect-linked variations; and (2) Belizean lects are strikingly similar to spontaneous styles of American English, whereas formal American English is markedly distinct in its use of referents, both from Belizean (including acrolects) and from casual English.