American Journal Of Philological Sciences
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VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue01 2025
PAGE NO.
1-4
Investigating criollo sanandresano: language contact and
its impact in colombia
Dolores Perez
Lecturer, University of The Balearic Islands, Spain
Received:
18 October 2024;
Accepted:
20 December 2024;
Published:
01 January 2025
Abstract:
This pilot study explores the linguistic dynamics of Criollo Sanandresano, a variety of the Creole language
spoken in the San Andrés Archipelago, Colombia. The study investigates the impact of language contact between
Criollo Sanandresano, Spanish, and English, with a focus on how these interactions shape the phonological,
syntactic, and lexical features of the language. By analyzing both historical and contemporary language use
through interviews, surveys, and field observations, the research identifies key factors influencing language
change and language maintenance in this multilingual context. The study reveals that while Criollo Sanandresano
has preserved many of its creole features, ongoing contact with Spanish and English has led to significant lexical
borrowing and syntactic shifts. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of language contact
phenomena, particularly in island and coastal communities, and provides insights into the complex linguistic
landscape of Colombia’s Caribbean region.
Keywords:
Criollo Sanandresano, Language contact, Creole languages, Linguistic change, Bilingualism, Spanish,
English, Lexical borrowing.
Introduction:
Colombia, a country renowned for its
stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history,
is a captivating mosaic of linguistic diversity. Within this
linguistic tapestry, the San Andrés Archipelago emerges
as a unique and intriguing piece. Nestled in the
turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago
is not only celebrated for its natural beauty but also for
its linguistic richness, where the melodies of Criollo
Sanandresano fill the air.
The linguistic landscape of Colombia is a testament to
the nation's multicultural heritage and history of
language contact. Criollo Sanandresano, the Creole
language spoken in the San Andrés Archipelago, stands
as a testament to this heritage, bearing the marks of
the island's complex history and the diverse influences
that have shaped it over centuries.
This pilot study, titled "Diving into Criollo
Sanandresano: A Pilot Study on Language Contact in
Colombia," embarks on a journey to explore the
intricate web of language contact, cultural influences,
and
linguistic
evolution
that
define
Criollo
Sanandresano. By employing an interdisciplinary
approach that encompasses linguistic analysis,
sociolinguistic surveys, and historical research, this
study aims to unravel the origins, development, and
contemporary state of this unique Creole language.
The San Andrés Archipelago, with its fusion of African,
Indigenous, European, and Caribbean influences,
presents an exceptional backdrop for investigating the
dynamics of Creole languages. The evolution of Criollo
Sanandresano is closely intertwined with the region's
complex history, including colonization, slavery,
immigration, and cultural exchange.
Through this exploration, we seek to answer questions
that extend beyond the linguistic realm, delving into
the cultural and social fabric of the San Andrés
Archipelago. What are the linguistic features that
define Criollo Sanandresano? How has language
contact shaped its lexicon and grammar? What role
does Criollo Sanandresano play in the identity and daily
lives of its speakers?
In a world marked by increasing globalization and
interconnectedness, the study of Creole languages like
Criollo Sanandresano offers valuable insights into the
dynamics of language contact and cultural adaptation.
This pilot study aspires to contribute to our
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
understanding of language diversity in Colombia's
Caribbean region, celebrating the resilience and
vibrancy of Criollo Sanandresano in a rapidly changing
linguistic landscape.
METHOD
The pilot study "Diving into Criollo Sanandresano: A
Pilot Study on Language Contact in Colombia" employs
a comprehensive and interdisciplinary research
methodology to explore the dynamics of Criollo
Sanandresano, a unique Creole language spoken in the
San
Andrés
Archipelago.
The
methodology
encompasses linguistic analysis, sociolinguistic surveys,
and historical research to provide a holistic
understanding of the language's origins, development,
and contemporary state.
1. Linguistic Analysis:
Phonological Analysis: Detailed phonological analysis of
Criollo Sanandresano to identify unique phonetic
features, sound patterns, and dialectal variations
within the archipelago.
Morphological and Syntactic Analysis: Examination of
the language's morphological and syntactic structures,
including word formation, verb conjugation, and
sentence structure.
Lexical Analysis: Compilation of a comprehensive
lexicon of Criollo Sanandresano, with a focus on
identifying words and expressions influenced by
language contact and cultural influences.
2. Sociolinguistic Surveys:
Questionnaires and Interviews: Administration of
sociolinguistic surveys, questionnaires, and interviews
among Criollo Sanandresano speakers to collect data
on language use, language attitudes, and perceptions
of language identity.
Language Varieties: Investigation into the variations of
Criollo Sanandresano spoken by different generations,
social groups, and communities within the San Andrés
Archipelago.
3. Historical Research:
Archival Research: Delving into historical archives,
documents, and records to trace the historical
development of Criollo Sanandresano, including its
emergence, evolution, and linguistic influences.
Cultural and Historical Context: Examination of the
historical and cultural context of the San Andrés
Archipelago,
including
colonization,
slavery,
immigration, and the cultural interactions that have
shaped the language.
4. Participant Observation:
Immersion within the Criollo Sanandresano-speaking
community through participant observation to gain
firsthand insights into language use, cultural practices,
and sociolinguistic dynamics.
5. Data Analysis:
Thorough analysis of linguistic, sociolinguistic, and
historical data to identify patterns, trends, and
linguistic
features
that
characterize
Criollo
Sanandresano.
6. Ethical Considerations:
Adherence to ethical guidelines for research involving
human participants, ensuring informed consent and
respecting the cultural and linguistic rights of the
Criollo Sanandresano-speaking community.
7. Comparative Linguistic Analysis:
Comparative analysis of Criollo Sanandresano with
other Creole languages, Spanish, and regional
Caribbean languages to trace language contact
phenomena and linguistic influences.
By employing this multifaceted methodology, the pilot
study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding
of Criollo Sanandresano, shedding light on its linguistic
structure, sociolinguistic context, and historical
evolution. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a
holistic exploration of language contact and cultural
influences in the unique linguistic landscape of the San
Andrés Archipelago.
RESULTS
The pilot study "Diving into Criollo Sanandresano: A
Pilot Study on Language Contact in Colombia" has
yielded valuable insights into the dynamics of Criollo
Sanandresano and its role in the linguistic and cultural
landscape of the San Andrés Archipelago. The results
are summarized as follows:
Linguistic Features:
Linguistic analysis revealed distinctive phonological,
morphological, and syntactic features of Criollo
Sanandresano, which distinguish it from other Creole
languages and Spanish. These features include a unique
phonetic inventory, simplified verb conjugation, and
sentence structures influenced by African and
Caribbean linguistic elements.
Language Varieties:
Sociolinguistic surveys and interviews unveiled
variations in Criollo Sanandresano spoken by different
generations and social groups within the archipelago.
These variations are reflective of language contact and
the changing linguistic landscape.
Language Attitudes:
The study documented positive language attitudes
among Criollo Sanandresano speakers, who view their
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
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2771-2273)
language as an essential part of their cultural identity.
While Spanish is also widely spoken, Criollo
Sanandresano holds a special place in the hearts of its
speakers.
Historical Insights:
Historical research provided insights into the
language's origins and development, tracing its roots to
the historical context of colonization, slavery, and
cultural exchange in the San Andrés Archipelago. The
study identified linguistic influences from African
languages, English, Spanish, and Indigenous languages.
DISCUSSION
The results of this pilot study offer a multifaceted
understanding of Criollo Sanandresano and its
significance in the San Andrés Archipelago:
Preservation of Cultural Identity: The positive language
attitudes observed among Criollo Sanandresano
speakers underscore the importance of language in
preserving cultural identity. Despite the dominance of
Spanish, Criollo Sanandresano remains a symbol of
cultural resilience and heritage.
Language Contact and Variation: The variations in
Criollo Sanandresano spoken by different groups and
generations reflect the dynamic nature of the
language. Language contact with Spanish and other
languages has contributed to these variations,
highlighting the need for ongoing research to track
language evolution.
Historical Significance: The historical research sheds
light on the unique history of the San Andrés
Archipelago and the complex web of linguistic
influences that have shaped Criollo Sanandresano. This
history is intertwined with colonization, slavery, and
migration patterns in the Caribbean.
Linguistic Richness: Criollo Sanandresano's linguistic
features, including its phonology, morphology, and
syntax, contribute to the linguistic richness of the
archipelago. The language stands as a testament to the
resilience and creativity of its speakers.
In conclusion, this pilot study represents a crucial step
in understanding Criollo Sanandresano and its role in
the linguistic and cultural landscape of the San Andrés
Archipelago. The
language's
unique
features,
variations, and historical significance provide a rich
field for further research, and its preservation is vital
for maintaining the cultural diversity of Colombia's
Caribbean region. The study emphasizes the
importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in our
globalized world and underscores the need to support
and celebrate languages like Criollo Sanandresano.
CONCLUSION
The pilot study "Diving into Criollo Sanandresano: A
Pilot Study on Language Contact in Colombia" has
provided a comprehensive exploration of the dynamics
of Criollo Sanandresano, a unique Creole language
spoken in the San Andrés Archipelago. Through a
combination of linguistic analysis, sociolinguistic
surveys, and historical research, this study has revealed
the linguistic richness, cultural significance, and
historical context of Criollo Sanandresano.
The linguistic analysis uncovered distinctive features of
Criollo Sanandresano, including its phonological,
morphological, and syntactic characteristics. These
features distinguish it from other Creole languages and
reflect the complex history of language contact and
cultural exchange in the region.
Sociolinguistic surveys and interviews demonstrated
the variations in Criollo Sanandresano spoken by
different generations and social groups within the
archipelago. These variations underscore the dynamic
nature of the language and its ability to adapt to
changing sociolinguistic contexts.
The positive language attitudes observed among Criollo
Sanandresano speakers highlight the language's role in
preserving cultural identity and heritage. Despite the
influence of Spanish, Criollo Sanandresano remains a
symbol of cultural resilience and continuity.
Historical research provided insights into the
language's origins and development, tracing its roots to
the historical context of colonization, slavery, and
cultural exchange in the San Andrés Archipelago. The
study identified linguistic influences from African
languages, English, Spanish, and Indigenous languages,
enriching our understanding of the language's complex
history.
In conclusion, Criollo Sanandresano is not just a
language but a cultural treasure, representing the
resilience and diversity of the San Andrés Archipelago.
This pilot study serves as a foundation for future
research into the language, encouraging further
exploration of its linguistic features, sociolinguistic
dynamics, and historical evolution. Preserving and
celebrating Criollo Sanandresano is essential for
maintaining the cultural and linguistic diversity of
Colombia's Caribbean region and for recognizing the
importance of Creole languages in our globalized
world.
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Megenney, W. W. (2009). The Afro-Seminole Creole: A
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