Hostname: page-component-74656f9884-kv2lp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-05T08:55:27.537Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

On the Relevance of the Pidginization – Creolization Model for Second Language Learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2008

Albert Valdman
Affiliation:
Indiana University

Extract

Otto Jespersen was one of the first linguists to perceive a common basis underlying all types of language acquisition and learning. Comparing pidgins, broken or approximative version of a target language, and child language, he commented:“…. in all these seemingly different cases the same mental factor is at work, namely, imperfect mastery of a language, which in its initial stage, in the child with its first language and in a grownup with a second language learnt by imperfect method, leads to a superficial knowledge of the most indispensable words, with a total disregard for grammar”. (1921, 233–4)

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable