Patois Unveiled
An academic exploration into the nature, etymology, and societal perception of nonstandard speech forms, including pidgins, creoles, dialects, and vernaculars.
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What is Patois?
Linguistic Definition
In formal linguistics, patois refers to speech or language that is considered nonstandard. This term encompasses a range of linguistic varieties, including pidgins, creoles, dialects, or vernaculars. It is generally not used to describe vocabulary-based forms of cant, such as jargon or slang.[1]
Societal Perception
Colloquially, particularly in France, the term patois often implies a social distinction. It is frequently used to denote a sociolect associated with uneducated rural populations, contrasting sharply with the prestige language (e.g., Standard French) spoken by urban middle and upper classes, or used in formal literature.[1] Sociolinguistics investigates the complex relationship between these language varieties, their connection to dominant cultures, and national language policies.
Formal vs. Colloquial Usage
While linguists use patois broadly for nonstandard varieties, the colloquial understanding often carries connotations of being "sub-standard," "rough," or "uncultivated." This distinction is crucial for understanding how language is perceived and valued within different social contexts.[1]
Etymology
Origins of the Term
The term patois originates from Old French, where it initially meant 'local or regional dialect'.[1] Its deeper roots suggest a meaning of 'rough, clumsy, or uncultivated speech', possibly derived from the verb patoier ('to treat roughly'), which itself comes from patte ('paw').[2] This etymological background hints at the historical perception of such language varieties as less refined.
Illustrative Examples
Francophone Regions
In France and other Francophone nations, patois has historically been applied to nonstandard French dialects and regional languages like Picard, Occitan, and Franco-Provenรงal. Following the 1700 ban on Catalan by Louis XIV, it was also applied to that language.[3] Historically, this term often implied a backward or unlettered quality, leading Jean Jaurรจs to remark, "One names patois the language of a defeated nation."[4] However, in contemporary France and Switzerland, patois has shed its negative connotations and is often used to celebrate local linguistic diversity.
Jamaican Patois
The vernacular English spoken in Jamaica is commonly referred to as patois or patwa. Originating around 1934, Jamaican Patois is a creole language. Its lexicon and grammar draw from numerous sources, including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, various African languages, and English. It is also spoken in Costa Rica.[1]
Other Vernaculars
The term patois is also applied to other distinct linguistic varieties:
- Antillean Creole: Spoken in the French West Indies (e.g., Martinique, Guadeloupe) and other Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. It is influenced by French, African, and Carib origins. Folk etymology often shapes word meanings, such as lavier (river) being linked to laver (to wash).[1]
- Patuรก: Used in Venezuela's Paria Peninsula by descendants of French and Caribbean settlers involved in cacao production.[6] It is also the name for Macanese Patois, spoken by the Macanese community in Macau.[6]
- Other Examples: Trasianka, Sheng, and Tsotsitaal are other vernaculars sometimes categorized under the broad umbrella of patois.[1]
Related Terminology
Regional Designations
Speakers of Antillean Creole in Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Trinidad, and Venezuela refer to their language as patois.[6] In the Paria Peninsula of Venezuela, it is known as Patuรก, reflecting historical settlement patterns.[6] Similarly, the Macanese community in Macau uses Patuรก for their unique creole.[6]
Linguistic Classification
While colloquially termed "broken English" or slang, varieties like Jamaican Patois are more accurately classified as creole languages. In the Francophone Caribbean, the term crรฉole is analogous to patois for local basilectal languages.[1]
References
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not linguistic advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional linguistic consultation, analysis, or research. While efforts have been made to present the information clearly and accurately based on the source material, nuances in language and cultural context may not be fully captured. Always consult authoritative linguistic resources and academic experts for in-depth study.
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