Investigating mutual intelligibility and language coalescence

Abstract

This study provides, as a working definition, a simplified view of a very complex speech communication process, the mutual intelligibility and language coalescence process. This process consists ofelements which interact through mutual verbal interaction to produce the ongoing formation of a norm aspart ofthe larger culturalprocess. These interacting elements are experimentation, mutual modification of speech differences, regularity of usage, mutually shared structural similarity of language form and mutual intelligibility, and feedback which is pervasive throughout. Passivity is precluded by definition. The coordinate relationship between mutually shared structural similarity of language form and mutual intelligibility constitutes the coalescence of the language norm. This study provides one further step toward understanding how the language norm is realized within the monolingual Community, and between contact communities when they engage in pidginization. While these language situations differ significantly both linguistically and socioculturally, the same process is active in both. (Mutual intelligibility, norm formation and cultural context, language contact, pidginization.)