Abstract (eng)
The purpose of this work is to give a synopsis of Creolistic theories in order to be able to classify and characterize the multiple hypotheses and theoretical movements which came about in this scientific field during the past decades. By doing so surprising overlaps and hidden principles can be discovered, which show that the boundaries between the movements are being set around the importance of first vs. second language acquisition and, of course, the role of substrate influence. This theoretical research on the hypotheses of Creole genesis is being done with respect to the Reunionese Creole language créole réunionnais, which differs from other French-based Creole languages in form and function: it shows fewer typical Creole features; furthermore, due to the political situation of Reunion island, which moved from the status of a French colony to one of a French department and is hence part of the European Union, this Creole language is in a constant situation of diglossia with its lexifier language French. The Reunionese Creole has been studied predominantly by Robert Chaudenson who holds a Eurocentric point of view on Creole genesis and considers the influence of non-European languages as marginal. His hypotheses are being re-evaluated by Gillette Staudacher-Valliamée, who has more recently studied the phonology and grammar of créole réunionnais, and whose analysis allows a fresh perspective on this language.