Influence of Malayalam on temporal clauses in Malabar Indo-Portuguese

What is it about?

Temporal clauses in Malabar Indo-Portuguese creole (MIP) are used to express any kind of temporal relation between two clauses, typically sequence or simultaneity. In this paper, I show that the temporal clauses in MIP differ from corresponding Portuguese strategies that served as the etymological sources for MIP. I also argue that these differences can be explained by the influence of Malayalam (Dravidian), the local language of the Malabar region. I position this study within the debate on creole exceptionalism, and show that the South Asian profile of MIP can only be explained within the view that language ecology determines the typology of a creole ( Ansaldo 2009 ).

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