On Promoting Literacy in Regional and Minority Languages: Some Potential Pointers from Central and Eastern Europe for Trinidad English Creole

Abstract

Based on current initiatives to promote literacy in several Central and Eastern European minority languages, the present article provides a reflective overview of a range of pointers that these case studies could potentially offer for Trinidad English Creole, a creole language spoken widely in the Caribbean twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago but which does not have official status in that jurisdiction. Though the case study may at first seem unusual, the article justifies the selection by briefly comparing and contrasting the relevant historical factors which have influenced the modern-day usage of several minority languages in Central and East Europe with the situation regarding Trinidad English Creole, drawing attention to shared factors such as the prevalence of language contact, diglossia, and sociocultural domination by external influences. After sketching the current state of the art regarding the usage and the wider (lack of) recognition of Trinidad English Creole, the study then outlines the chosen methodological approach, which is qualitative and desk-based in purview, and linking it to the author’s existing research studies which have centred on these themes and geographical areas. Subsequently, taking the Central and East European context as a point of departure, the study then outlines the different potential pointers which could lead to the promotion of greater literacy in Trinidad English Creole, noting that up until now the focus of governmental and educational efforts has coalesced around encouraging the uptake of Spanish as an additional language in Trinidad & Tobago. In observing changing attitudes to Creole languages in the wider English-speaking Caribbean, the first point centres around awareness-raising, advocating for the existence of a specialist university-based institution to promote the research and academic study of Trinidad English Creole, thus emulating examples taken from other minority languages in Central and Eastern Europe such as Rusyn, South Estonian, and Kashubian. The second point relates to the potential development of intensive training courses (of several months’ duration) for Trinidad English Creole which could incorporate a literacy-based component. In presenting the Central and East European context, it gives a cursory overview of the possibilities for such courses, profiling the recent addition of specialised long-term courses designed to promote the uptake and spread of Lower Sorbian, whilst acknowledging the success of such programmes for Breton. In addition, similarly to the case of other Central and East European minority languages, such schemes could also encourage the production of necessary and relevant pedagogical materials to study, learn, and teach Trinidad English Creole in an effective and sustainable manner. Linked to the previous one, the third point relates to the potential development of language certification schemes for Trinidad English Creole, noting the existence of similar schemes for Upper Sorbian and Lower Sorbian. It also draws attention to the myriad other factors which are involved in creating and developing training programmes, including the potential viability and prospects of such initiatives.