Toward a sociogenetic solution: Examining language formation processes through SWARM modeling

Creole languages are often a point of contention for theoretical linguistic s. Broadly defined, creoles result from an amalgamation of two or more lang uages, when speakers of differing mother tongues need rudimentary communica tion during economic or social transactions. Creolization occurs if the "in vented" system becomes the native language of the speech community. There a re several hypotheses for how biological linguistic properties and social c ontact each bear on the formation of creoles; however, until recently, no r eliable method for testing these complex interactions existed. Implementing SWARM 2.1.1, the current model consists of a multiagent population drawn f rom historical records of Surinamese sugar cane plantations. Each agent in this artificial society is endowed with a demographic profile and linguisti c parameters. Three experiments using the SWARM model are described. The re sults provide viable motivation for advancing a "sociogenetic" solution for the emergence of prototypical creole languages.