Which of the following statements about pidgins and creoles are true?
- A. A pidgin becomes a creole and then a first language.
- B. A creole begins as a pidgin and becomes a first language.
- C. A pidgin is simple but rule-governed, while a creole has no grammatical rules.
- D. Pidgins and creoles arise where speakers of mutually unintelligible languages need a common language.
Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B. B and D only
Explanation
A creole is a nativised pidgin with a full grammar.
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