On the emergence of new language varieties: The case of the Eastern Maroon Creole in French Guiana

It then appears that Creoles, like other languages, have considerable internal complexity. This complexity seems to have emerged due to different kinds of processes of contact. However, to date little is known about the sociolinguistic structure of any one Creole and the social and linguistic processes that contributed to its emergence and maintenance. The aim of this paper is to investigate these issues in relation to the Eastern Maroon Creoles (EMCs) of Suriname and French Guiana. The discussion suggests that contrary to common assumptions, the speakers of these Creoles traditionally recognize a range of social and regional or ethnic varieties. In addition, new varieties and practices continue to emerge most likely spurred by the social changes that have been affecting these communities in the last 30 years.