creole language: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

This is a topic of debate among linguists. Most mainstream linguists classify English as a Germanic language that underwent heavy influence from Norman French (a process called 'creoloidisation' or simply extensive borrowing), but it did not form through the classic pidgin-to-creole cycle, so it is not typically termed a creole.

Creoles typically develop from a pidgin stage where grammar is largely created anew (often simplified from source languages). Mixed languages (e.g., Michif) are formed by the systematic blending of the grammatical and lexical systems of two existing languages, often within a single bilingual community, without a pidgin stage.

Yes. Haitian Creole is an official language of Haiti, alongside French. Tok Pisin is an official language of Papua New Guinea. Seychellois Creole is an official language of the Seychelles.

Yes, like all living languages, creoles evolve. They can develop standardised forms, literary traditions, and new registers. They are also subject to decreolisation (moving closer to a standard lexifier language) or continued independent development.

A stable, fully developed language that arises from the prolonged mixing and simplification of two or more parent languages, typically in a colonial or plantation setting where speakers of different languages need to communicate.

Creole language is usually academic / technical (linguistics, anthropology, history); can be neutral in cultural discussions. in register.

Creole language: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkriːəʊl ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkriːoʊl ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.