Emerging multiethnolects in Europe

Abstract

We discuss the results of research carried out in the last ten years or so in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany, France and the UK, on new forms and styles of language that have emerged in multilingual areas of European cities. We discuss the problematic nature of the term multiethnolect, and argue that multiethnolects are a new typological language variety. We survey the innovative linguistic forms that have emerged in the different European languages, and draw brief and preliminary conclusions about the cognitive and communicative processes that drive their emergence. We then consider general social awareness of multiethnolects and attitudes about their speakers, drawing mainly on the example of the Netherlands. Finally, we review the small amount of existing evidence that helps predict the future of new linguistic forms and styles.