Here's a breakdown:
* Pidgins: Creoles develop from pidgins, which are simplified languages that emerge when speakers of different languages need to communicate. Pidgins usually have a limited vocabulary and grammar, drawing primarily from the dominant language (often called the "lexifier").
* Creoleization: When a pidgin becomes the native language of a community, it undergoes a process called creoleization. This involves:
* Expansion of vocabulary and grammar: The creole develops more complex structures and expressions.
* Regularization of features: Irregularities in the pidgin are often smoothed out.
* Influence from other languages: The creole can be influenced by other languages spoken in the community.
So, instead of being a combination, creoles are a new language born from:
* A pidgin: A simplified language used for communication between speakers of different languages.
* Creoleization: A process of expansion, regularization, and influence that turns a pidgin into a full-fledged language.
Examples of Creoles:
* Haitian Creole: Based on French, with influences from African languages.
* Jamaican Patois: Based on English, with influences from African languages.
* Sranan Tongo: Based on English, with influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and African languages.
It's important to understand that creole languages are not simply broken or incorrect versions of the lexifier language. They are distinct and complex languages with their own unique grammar and vocabulary.