1. They have their own grammar and syntax:
* While influenced by their source languages (often European), creoles develop their own unique grammatical structures and word order. This sets them apart from mere "broken" versions of their source language.
* Examples:
* Haitian Creole, with its distinct verb structure and use of articles, is different from French.
* Jamaican Patois, with its verb conjugation patterns and sentence structure, is different from English.
2. They have a lexicon (vocabulary) of their own:
* Creoles borrow words from their source languages but also create new words and expressions to fill their linguistic needs.
* They often utilize processes like:
* Lexicalization: Turning a phrase into a single word (e.g., "catch-a-cold" becomes "cold").
* Semantic extension: Extending the meaning of a word (e.g., "hot" might mean "angry" or "good").
3. They have native speakers:
* Creoles are not just languages learned as a second language; they are often the first language of entire communities. This signifies their importance in daily life and cultural identity.
* They are passed down from generation to generation, evolving and adapting over time.
4. They are used in a variety of domains:
* Creoles are used in everyday communication, education, government, literature, and the arts.
* Their use in these domains demonstrates their functionality and sophistication.
5. They are recognized by linguists:
* Linguists recognize creoles as distinct languages with their own grammatical systems and history.
* They are studied and documented, contributing to our understanding of language evolution and contact.
In essence, creoles are not simply "pidgins" (simplified languages used for communication between different groups) that have become more complex. They are full-fledged languages with their own unique features and cultural significance.