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Toward a Sociogenetic Solution

Examining Language Formation Processes Through SWARM Modeling

Teresa Satterfield

University of Michigan, tsatter{at}umich.edu

Creole languages are often a point of contention for theoretical linguistics. Broadly defined, creoles result from an amalgamation of two or more languages, when speakers of differing mother tongues need rudimentary communication during economic or social transactions. Creolization occurs if the "invented" system becomes the native language of the speech community. There are several hypotheses for how biological linguistic properties and social contact each bear on the formation of creoles; however, until recently, no reliable method for testing these complex interactions existed. Implementing SWARM 2.1.1, the current model consists of a multiagent population drawn from historical records of Surinamese sugar cane plantations. Each agent in this artificial society is endowed with a demographic profile and linguistic parameters. Three experiments using the SWARM model are described. The results provide viable motivation for advancing a "sociogenetic" solution for the emergence of prototypical creole languages.

Key Words: language contact • pidgins and creoles • language acquisition

Social Science Computer Review, Vol. 19, No. 3, 281-295 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/089443930101900304
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[Abstract] [PDF]