Sociolinguistics
No Definite or Indefinite Article
- Typically there is no definite or indefinite article (the or a)
(Where given, a click on the link will direct you to the relevant pidgin/creole text containing the examples presented here.)
- E.g. Tok Pisin:
- In Tok Pisin the simple noun can be interpreted as definite.
- ol is sometimes used like a definite article in the plural:
Ol opisa bilong Melanesin Envairomen Faundesen
All officer belong Melanesian Environment Foundation
'The officers of the Melanesian Environment Foundation'
- However, apart from this, there are no articles in Tok Pisin.
(Informationa taken and adapted from Sebba, 1997)