Languages and Literature /Contents

Creoles

James Collins

The term 'creole' refers to a hybrid language that originated in contact situations and subsequently became the first language of a particular ethnic group. The evolution of a contact language into a first language involves an enormous and immediate expansion of vocabulary as well as regularization of grammar. A number of languages in Malaysia can be considered creoles, or at least creole-like, the best known being those of the Melaka Portuguese and the Straits Chinese.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • The evolution of Malaysian creoles
Pilgrims' Progress

Although most Babas were illiterate until the 20th century, a number of publications in Baba Malay appeared, including translations such as Chaucer's Pilgrims' Progress.