Linguistic Universals and Pidgin Languages

FAIN: FT-12016-74

T. Givon
University of Oregon (Eugene, OR 97403-5219)

To study the structure of the plantation-Pidgin language in Hawaii as well as other written sources on Pidgin languages available in libraries in order to gain insight into features of Universal Grammar. Pidgin languages represent a unique sources of information on this subject, a source so far largely neglected. In addition, it is expected that further insight into the specific socio-linguistic situation under which the particular type of stable Pidgin is said to have arisen in Hawaii will help us understand the pluralistic society.