Presentation: Can child-directed speech lead to a new language?
Carmel O’Shannessey presented a colloquium talk entitled “Can child-directed speech lead to a new language?” at the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics at Syracuse University on Dec. 5.
Abstract
Code-switching practices between Warlpiri and English have led to a new mixed code, Light Warlpiri, in a remote community in northern Australia. Elements from two typologically dissimilar languages are combined systematically in the new language, with verbal and nominal structures derived from different sources. Code-switching patterns used most often when addressing children appear to be the patterns that have become entrenched as the new way of speaking.