Some Prominent Features of STHE
That would make us hesitate; for one, StHE is a restructured variety that has evolved via extensive dialect and language contact (see above); though English was the most influential input variety (hence shift and death of all other languages spoken), varieties such as Malagasy had an influence and considerably shaped the eventual outcome of the formation process. As a result, StHE shares a number of characteristics with English-derived Creoles though it is far from clear whether or not it should be classified as a creole or Thomas Sabo Charms (discussion in Schreier, 2008; cf. Schneider’s (1990) analysis of Caribbean Creoles with reference to prototype theory).
One elegant way out of the dilemma is to distinguish between language-internal and -external criteria, so one could claim that, for the historical reasons outlined, StHE is an Inner Circle variety, whereas it differs from the other varieties on linguistic and sociolinguistic grounds. Such an approach is of particular appeal since it allows us to make a distinction between American and British English on the one hand and a number of smaller varieties such as Bahamian English, Bajan or Pitcairnese on the other hand (for which one might make similar cases in point as well). This seems like a most promising explanation, since it allows for considerable variation within the circles and calls for a more comprehensive analysis, viewing diversification of English around the world not only as a socio-historical but also as a linguistic process.
I would argue that LKVEs, exemplified by StHE, challenge existing models and ask us to revise them, since they fit for some reasons and at the same time stand apart for others. We need to differentiate language external and internal components of diversification in English around the world, be more fine-grained in our analysis and make it very clear whether or not we base our judgments on structural considerations or on historical and social ones, which, at the end of the day, may lead to different results. In this sense, the study of English around the world – and its taxonomic implications – may benefit considerably from the analysis of varieties we know little about: they encourage us to rethink principles that have been applied in the past while forcing us at the same time to assess their significance for the classification of English in the future.
One treasure I had come across during my preparation for this unit was a surprisingly accessible book entitled The Undead and Philosophy: Chicken Soup for the Soulless (Greene and Mohammad), a collection of essays on philosophical issues raised through consideration of our cultural myths of the living dead. The essay “Should Vampires Be Held Accountable for Their Bloodthirsty Behavior?” (Draeger) explores the question of whether the undead had the right to exist, as their behavior was not rooted in evil so much as it was rooted in a basic need to survive. This essay extended a discussion, begun while reading 7 Am Legend and continued through Night of the Living Dead, about how adopting a different perspective can change how one views situations that might otherwise seem cut and dry. Thomas Sabo Pendant Here at the end of the undead unit, students were required to empathize with zombies and vampires, at least long enough to determine if these undead creatures warranted the right to exist.
What followed was a spirited debate concerning the rights of the undead. Students quickly moved past the fantasy elements of the argument and delved into a serious debate about the rights of minority viewpoints. It should be noted that never did anyone, me included, suggest that those needing to feed off the blood or brains of others had a right to do so. Nor was there ever the suggestion of equivalency between this hypothetical discussion of rights and the real struggle for rights among those suffering from legitimate injustice. Rather, my students showed a ready ability to see through the conceit of the argument and recognize a larger truth: no matter how foreign the beliefs of others, foreignness do not by itself warrant bigotry and dismissal.
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