An English-based creole language, or English creole for short, is a creole language that was significantly influenced by the English language
Most English creoles were formed in English colonies, following the great expansion of British naval military power and trade in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Bislama: Bislama (older Bêche-la-mar) is an English-based creole, and is the national language of Vanuatu.
- Cameroonian Pidgin English: Cameroonian Pidgin English, or Cameroonian Creole, is a linguistic entity of Cameroon. It is also known as Kamtok. Two varieties are Limbe-Krio and Grafi. Cameroonian Pidgin English is an English-based creole language. About 5% of Cameroonians are native speakers of the language.
- Guyanese Creolese: Spoken throughout Guyana and similar to Jamaican Creole (see below), but with a different accent and some word substitutions; probably due to the greater Indian (Indo-Guyanese not Amerindian) influence. The language varies across the regions within the country.
- Jamaican Creole: Not to be confused with Jamaican English, which is a dialect of English. Jamaican Creole is an English-based creole language spoken in Jamaica. It represents a history of contact among many different types of speakers drawn from many ethnic, linguistic, and social background. Naturally understandable to speakers of creoles in Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica. Reported to be extremely close to Belize Creole, the English Creole of the Bahamas, close to Guyana, Grenada, Virgin Islands and Saint Vincent creoles, as well as being very close to Sierra Leone Krio. Jamaica Creole is the dominant language in Jamaica and gaining in prestige.
- Nigerian Pidgin English: While rudimentally spoken all over Nigeria, English is the accepted language of transaction and communication. The Nigerian Pidgin English dates back to the colonial era, where locals were hired to work with the British colonials and ended up developing it to the Creole language it is today. See also Nigerian Pidgin.
- Tok Pisin: is spoken throughout Papua New Guinea. English is the superstrate language, with various Papuan languages providing grammatical and lexical input.
Linguistics | Pidgins and creoles