According to UNESCO, over 40% of the world’s estimated 6,000 languages are endangered, & one language dies out every two weeks. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of preserving linguistic diversity & fostering language revitalisation efforts. However, the arrow doesn’t move in only one direction, new languages can & do evolve, given the right circumstances.
In the remote Warlpiri community of Lajamanu, Australia, a unique linguistic phenomenon has emerged: Light Warlpiri (LW), a new language that blends elements from Warlpiri (a Pama-Nyungan language), Kriol (an English-based creole) & English. This fascinating study [open access, so have at it!] by Carmel O’Shannessy sheds light on the birth of a language.
The study reveals that children & young adults in Lajamanu speak LW, a distinct language with its own innovative auxiliary system, verb morphology, & distribution of case-marking [which refers to the way a language marks the syntactic or semantic relationships between different constituents in a sentence, such as a noun/pronoun & other elements like verbs or prepositions].
LW draws most verbs & verbal morphology from Kriol, nouns from Warlpiri & English, & nominal morphology from Warlpiri. It has evolved from the code-mixing practices of older Warlpiri speakers, who combined elements from their native language with Kriol & English.
However, LW is more than just code-mixing; it has conventionalised into a new language, transmitted to children as one of their first languages & used for everyday interactions. This linguistic evolution highlights the remarkable ability of language to adapt & transform in response to changing social & cultural contexts.
LW is not alone however, in recent history. Here are 3 more new languages.
Michif: A *mixed language spoken by descendants of French-Canadian fur traders & Cree or Métis people in Canada & the US. It emerged in the early 19th century.
Gurindji Kriol: A new mixed language that combines elements of Gurindji (an Australian Aboriginal language) & Kriol, spoken in the Northern Territory of Australia. It emerged in the late 20th century.
Angloromani: A mixed language spoken by English Romani communities, combining elements of Romani & English. It emerged in the late 19th century.
*By a ‘mixed’ language, linguists mean a language which has emerged by combining grammatical elements & vocabulary from two or more source languages in a systematic way. However, in a broad sense, you could argue that all natural languages are ‘mixed’ to some degree through processes of language contact, borrowing & evolution over time. No modern language exists in a complete vacuum [but don’t take my word for it].
Teacher Takeaways?
Embrace linguistic diversity: LW’s emergence highlights the dynamic nature of language. Encourage students to explore & appreciate the rich tapestry of languages & dialects around the world.
Promote code-switching & code-mixing: While traditionally viewed as “language interference,” code-switching & code-mixing can be valuable linguistic resources. Encourage students to explore & utilise these practices creatively.
Foster language revitalisation: Highlight the importance of language preservation & revitalisation efforts. Encourage students to research & appreciate endangered languages in their communities & explore ways to support their preservation.
Celebrate language evolution: Use LW as an example to illustrate how languages evolve & adapt to changing social & cultural contexts. Encourage students to explore other examples of language evolution & discuss the factors that contribute to these changes.
Do you know of a new language related to another language you speak?
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