Creolization of Language and Culture [Hardcover]

Creolization of Language and Cultureis the first English edition of Robert Chaudenson's landmark text Des ?les, des hommes, des langues, which has also been fully revised.
. With reference to the main varieties of creole French, Chaudenson argues against the traditional account of creole genesis for a more sophisticated paradigm which takes full account of the peculiar linguistic and social factors at play in colonial societies.
This is an accessible book which makes an important contribution to the study of pidgin and creole language varieties, as well as to the development of contemporary European languages outside Europe. Key features include:
Analysis of current debates on the development of creoles
Discussion of many aspects of human culture including music, medicine, cooking, magic and folklore
Translation of all French sources from which Chaudenson quotes extensively
'The editor and translators are to be commended for bringing this important work to an expanded public and, in collaboration with the author, for improving it along the way. The book contains a wealth of fascinating information that will make it of interest not just to creolists, but to anyone concerned with language and culture in postcolonial societies.'- The French Review