This study examines the tense/modelity/aspect system of Papiamentu, the Portuguese- and Spanish-based creole of the Netherlands Antilles. Papiamentu has been considered to deviate from the expected features of creole languages, but a pilot study has shown that Papiamentu conforms more to the prototypical creole TMA system than previously thought. This study extends the pilot study and involves new collection as well, incidentally creating a computer data base. The results are expected to clarify the status of Papiamentu among creole languages of the world and provide a model for more detailed study of TMA systems in creoles and natural languages in general, which in turn has relevance to the debate concerning Bickerton's bioprogram hypothesis concerning the origin and structure of creole languages.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
8812750
Program Officer
Paul G. Chapin
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1988-07-15
Budget End
1991-12-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
$72,676
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095