New English In The Bahamas

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The term “New Englishes” defines the varieties of English. It serves as a more adequate term than ‘non-native’ or ‘indigenized’ to discuss a variety of English that differs from that spoken by English people living in England before its territory expansion through colonization in Scotland, Ireland and other parts of Europe (Mufwene, 1994). According to Guerra, these New Englishes are acknowledged within a foreign language class (2014). Platt asserts that English is one of the most commonly taught languages in this world. From within these non-native situations, New Englishes have developed and are used within the community. Through speakers adapting the language to their lives and cultures, and the influence of other languages from surrounding …show more content…

According to a census in 2016, the total population is currently 392, 718 (Worldometers, 2016) with most people residing in Nassau, New Providence, Freeport or Grand Bahama. The Lucayan Indians are the first known inhabitants of The Bahamas, migrating to the islands from South America as 600 CE. They continued to live on the islands until the Spanish invasion during the fifteenth century. Hence the name Bahamas, which was derived from the Spanish words baja and mar, meaning “shallow sea’. This conquest destroyed the indigenous population through enslavement and disease. Despite their expedition, the Spanish occupied The Bahamas for a brief period of time. Their place was taken by English settlers, who came from Bermuda to establish the first colony on the island of Eleuthera. Their settlement was also brief, as the islands lacked gold and other sought after resources. During the 1700s, The Bahamas became a haven for pirates. Due to the geography of the islands, it was well situated for ships seeking shelter from treacherous surrounding waters. As a result, the British sent Captain Rogers to The Bahamas in 1718 to drive the pirates from The Bahamas and regain control for the British. In the 1780’s, many British settlers relocated to the newly formed United States. Most loyalist also returned to England. The only people who remained, were those too poor to relocate. The relied on resources from the sea and land. During 1833, the passing of the Abolition of Slavery Act in Great Britain caused the population of the island to decompose. Therefore, Africans, who arrived with colonializing Europeans via Bermuda, repopulated The Bahamas, giving it a unique language and culture. An estimation of over 90% of people of The Bahamas can trace their roots back to Africa (Donelly,

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