Welsh foreigner talk: Breaking new ground

Abstract

Proficient native speakers of a language have at their disposal a simple form of that code (or an ability to produce a simplified form thereof). This simple code has several uses, one of which is to facilitate communication between the native speaker of the full code and non‐proficient learners of the same code. When so used the simple code is called ‘foreigner talk’. Prior research suggests the processes of simplification underlying ‘foreigner talk’ are not language‐specific and consequently forms of FT produced in widely different language communities have much in common. A further expected consequence of the non‐specificity of FT is its transferability across languages. This is why a study of FT in a bilingual community such as Wales is of such interest: studies of FT to date have been restricted to its manifestation in non‐minority ‘national’ languages spoken in a monolingual communities. The present study is of the use of FT in a minority language (Welsh) in a bilingual community. Initially, the existence of Welsh FT is established through elicitation. The salient features of the code are described. Some evidence is adduced bearing on the issue of the possible derivativeness of Welsh FT from English FT. Finally, some indications are identified of the attitude of native Welsh speakers toward the use of the simple code of their threatened language.