Abstract
Abstract Studies in linguistics and anthropology have demonstrated that kinship systems and cultural practices change upon contact with other languages and cultures; however, creole kinship systems are generally overlooked. This paper examines the kinship terminology used by the Portuguese Settlement community in Malacca, Malaysia. The mapping of this kinship terminology is based on the division into terms of address and terms of reference, using three theoretical frameworks (‘identity alignment’, ‘language as an act of identity’, and ‘partial reciprocal diffusion’), while also taking into account Malacca Creole Portuguese, the standard variety of Malay, Baba Malay, Chetti Malay, Dutch, and English. The findings point to the existence of parallel kinship systems within the same language and indicate lexical connections to the other creole communities in Malacca (namely, Chettis and Baba-Nyonya). Accordingly, the terminology is divided into two segments: one oriented to the Portuguese superstrate and one toward the substrates and adstrates.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
