Abstract

This paper provides evidence of strong typological similarities between the tonal systems of Papiamentu and Saramaccan with the systems of West African languages. These typological similarities constitute the basis for a proposal that there is a genetic affiliation between Papiamentu and Saramaccan with the Kwa and Bantu language families; an affiliation that reaches beyond the accidental lexical borrowing. Since Saramaccan has been classified as an English-based Creole, and Papiamentu as a Romance-based Creole, their similarities indicate that their substrata have a greater significance in Creole genesis than previously recognized.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.