The Sierra Leone Creole Language: Exploring the Influences of Sierra Leone Creole Language in English and Native Languages

Abstract

The Sierra Leone Creole language is a vibrant and evolving language that has a significant influence as a Lingual Franka spoken by a substantial portion of the Sierra Leoneans among the numerous languages in the country. It is a crucial point for understanding the complex dynamic of Creole language contact and its significant influence. This research study attempted to analyse the origin of the Sierra Leone Creole language and how it evolved and became a significant language among the numerous languages spoken in the country. It also examined its significant influences on national identity, education, cultural diversity and social coherence. Through a combination of historical analysis, linguistic examination, and sociolinguistic inquiry, several factors, including the 1808 Act of Amendment, the resettlement in Freetown, and the need for daily survival, contributed to the development of Creole. The Creole language developed its vocabulary from input vocabulary from various languages, including French, Portuguese, Yoruba, and English. These languages aid the formation of Creole. The English lexifier makes up most of the Creole Language, followed by Yoruba. Creole lexifier English is both the official language and the language of instruction in Education, alongside Creole, Mende, and Themne, which are the dominant languages in Sierra Leone. These tribal languages are identified as first-language languages, considered a part of elective subjects, and are among the nine core subjects at the junior and secondary levels. Moreover, the Creole Language has become a native language in Sierra Leone, a mother tongue, and a high percentage of the population are second-language users. Also, Creole is spoken in all aspects of life among Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, fostering a sense of unity.Keywords: Sierra Leone Creole language, influence, education, national identity, native languages