Simplifying definitions of Pidgins and Creoles within the Trinidad and Tobago Context

Abstract

The study of pidgins and creoles is a relatively recent field in tertiary education in Trinidad and Tobago. Many have been confused as to the relevance of this field, with few even knowing and far less understanding what these terms entail. The focus of this paper is to examine the concepts of creoles and pidgins in a simplified manner. It seeks to locate these terms within the Trinidad and Tobago landscape and, thus, remove from native Creole speakers feelings of shame and confusion. The paper, therefore, examines certain theories of origin and assesses their trajectories in modern Trinidad and Tobago Creoles.