Topic Structures As Language Universals

Abstract

The continuous process of language mixing which takes place in the development of creole continua is particularly suited to favor the emergence of language universals. Topic-comment structures are found to be extensively used in English-based Caribbean basilects. Furthermore, topic prominence is also characteristic of the mesolectal and acrolectal varieties acquired by native speakers of creole vernaculars. Topic strategies are identified as they occur throughout the continuum, and in particular as they extend to other structures. More specifically, dislocation strategies are found to spread relativization through the circuitous route of relexified topic particles. It is argued that if there is a "bioprogram" (Bickerton 1981), it might be reflected not only in creole grammars, but also, and perhaps more extensively still, in the strategies represented in the contiguous acrolects, as well as in other situations involving conflicting linguistic systems.

Why Study Pidgins and Creoles?

“…Although still a minority voice, I am no longer alone in questioning the position that variation in PC communities of the New World is due to decreolization (see, e.g., Escure 1988, and Holm, forthcoming, on Black English). I am not too optimistic in expecting more people to join us as they re-examine the thesis on the basis of diachronic, not just synchronic-comparative, evidence.…”

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“…He suggests that pronominalization was the original or basilectal strategy, but that over time relative markers became more complementizer-like Escure (1988). says there is no evidence for the deletion strategy in basilectal Belize Creole English.…”