Dutch-based creole languages
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Dutch creole is a creole language which has been substantially influenced by the Dutch language.
Afrikaans arguably possesses some features of creole languages, especially in its simplified grammar relative to Dutch. However, since Afrikaans is not descended from a pidgin tongue but rather represents the natural linguistic evolution of the Afrikaner people in South Africa, it is not considered a creole.
Most Dutch-based creoles originated in Dutch colonies in the Americas and Southeast Asia, after the 17th century expansion of Dutch maritime power. Almost all of them have died out:
Some important Dutch creoles are:
- Berbice (extinct): in Guyana
- Skepi (almost extinct): in Guyana
- Negerhollands (extinct): in the US Virgin Islands
- Petjoh: in Indonesia
- Javindo: in Indonesia
- Mohawk Dutch: in the United States
- Jersey Dutch, "Negro Dutch" (extinct): in the United States
- Albany Dutch: in the United States
Dutch has also made a significant contribution to other creoles:
- Papiamento: based mostly on Portuguese and Spanish, spoken in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
- Saramaccan: based mostly on English, Portuguese and African languages, spoken in Suriname
- Sranan Tongo: based mostly on English, spoken in Suriname
Pennsylvania Dutch is however not descended from Dutch, but is a variety of West Central German.
