Date Approved
2010
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department or School
World Languages
Committee Member
Rosemary Weston - Gil, PhD, Chair
Committee Member
Alfonso Illingworth-Rico, PhD
Committee Member
Francesco D'lntrono, PhD
Abstract
This research project examines the language spoken by the Afro-Caribbean population in Port Limón, Costa Rica. This language resulted from the cultural blend of peoples from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and other Caribbean islands that immigrated to the Atlantic coast region of Costa Rica in the 1870's. This language is different from the language spoken in the rest of the country because of its British English language influence that came in contact with the local Spanish language. Issues regarding attitude toward this language in Costa Rica are addressed in this project. In the course of time, as with other aspects of the culture, there has been a marked change in the linguistics of Port Limón's Afro-Caribbean population. The author hypothesizes that external factors such as language dominance, as well as the lack of support from the Costa Rican community and the government may have contributed to the decrease in its use.
Recommended Citation
Benn, Maren, "Spanish-Creole characteristics in the dialect of people with African origins in Port Limón, Costa Rica" (2010). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 1287.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1287
