The Theory and Practice of Creole Grammar

Thomas, John Jacob (Author)

John Jacob Thomas was an Afro-Trinidadian school master, writer, and linguist. His guidebook was critical in reframing Trinidadian  English-Creole as its own distinct language, rather than "poorly" spoken Ango-English. It was first published in 1869  by the Chronical Publishing Office in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and features the orthography, etymology, syntax, and interpretation of idioms of the creole. Not only was it intended to teach Trinidadian-English Creole as a distinct, Thomas also stated in the preface that in teaching the language in a systematic way it would allow for the people of Trinidad to learn and recognize the same patterns in other languages, thus helping Trinidadians move towards bi/multilingualism. Interestingly, despite JJ Thomas directly speaking to, and referencing the people of Trinidad,  this text is not written in the Trinidadian English-Creole he sought to teach. 

First Edition - Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tabago : The Chronicle Publishing Office, 1869

English
French
Creoles and pidgins, French-based

Manuals
Grammar Guidebooks
Trinidad
Trinidad
University of California

1869

J. J. (John Jacob). The Theory and Practice of Creole Grammar. London : New Beacon, 1869.

1869

The digital edition is freely available for public download and non-commercial redistribution.

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