Creolization, Language Politics, and Literary Form: A Critique of Caribbean Vernacular in Contemporary Texts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59890/mjst.v3i2.170Keywords:
Creolization, Language Politics, Caribbean Literature, Vernacular, Postcolonial Theory, Linguistic SovereigntyAbstract
This article examines the complex interplay between creolization, language politics, and literary form in contemporary Caribbean texts. Through a critical analysis of vernacular deployment in recent fiction, it argues that Caribbean writers engage in sophisticated linguistic strategies that simultaneously reflect creolization processes and intervene in ongoing debates about language, power, and cultural identity. The study situates Caribbean linguistic politics within broader postcolonial discussions, drawing parallels with Nigerian literary engagements with language to highlight transatlantic connections in vernacular resistance. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative text-based analysis of secondary sources, including literary works, critical theory, and sociolinguistic studies. Key findings suggest that contemporary Caribbean writers navigate a delicate balance between linguistic authenticity and global legibility, often developing innovative narrative strategies to preserve vernacular integrity while reaching international audiences. The article further investigates how digital platforms may offer alternative spaces for vernacular expression less constrained by traditional publishing dynamics. Ultimately, this research contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations about decolonization, linguistic sovereignty, and the political dimensions of literary form in postcolonial contexts, offering a nuanced perspective on how Caribbean writers transform language from a colonial legacy into a tool of cultural reclamation and artistic innovation
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