Publication date:

22 June 2010

Length of book:

320 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

240x163mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780739112366

The Haitian Creole Language is the first book that deals broadly with a language that has too long lived in the shadow of French. With chapters contributed by the leading scholars in the study of Creole, it provides information on this language's history; structure; and use in education, literature, and social interaction. Although spoken by virtually all Haitians, Creole was recognized as the co-official language of Haiti only a little over twenty years ago. The Haitian Creole Language provides essential information for professionals, other service providers, and Creole speakers who are interested in furthering the use of Creole in Haiti and the Haitian diaspora. Increased language competencies would greatly promote the education of Creole speakers and their participation in the social and political life of their countries of residence. This book is an indispensable tool for those seeking knowledge about the centrality of language in the affairs of Haiti, its people, and its diaspora.
This groundbreaking volume has the principal purpose of substantiating that HC [Haitian Creole] is a legitimate language that is vital in the education of HC-speaking students. . . .The strength of The Haitian Creole Language is its examination of HC through multiple lenses, providing a broad scope of the language that substantiates the legitimacy of HC. . . .With this unprecedented volume, S[pears] & J[oseph] have provided the first book to introduce readers to an extensive range of information on HC. In addition, their work more broadly contributes to the conversation and research on creole languages worldwide and on creole languages in the Caribbean in particular, benefiting a wide range of audiences, including teacher educators, researchers on Haiti, creole linguists, and even readers with a general interest in Haiti.