Question

Which language primarily contributes the majority of lexical items to a pidgin’s vocabulary?

Accepted Answer

The language that primarily contributes the majority of lexical items to a pidgin&#x27;s vocabulary is the superstrate language, also known as the lexifier language. The superstrate is typically the language of the dominant group in the contact situation, such as the colonizers or traders. While other languages, called substrate languages, spoken by the less dominant groups, can influence the pidgin&#x27;s grammar and contribute some vocabulary, the vast majority of the words are derived from the superstrate language. For example, English is the superstrate language for Tok Pisin, so most of Tok Pisin&#x27;s vocabulary comes from English, albeit often with modified pronunciation and meaning.

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Which language primarily contributes the majority of lexical items to a pidgin’s vocabulary?

The language that primarily contributes the majority of lexical items to a pidgin's vocabulary is the superstrate language, also known as the lexifier language. The superstrate is typically the language of....