lexifier
Noun
Meaning
lexifier (plural lexifiers)
(linguistics, lexicography) The language of a pidgin or creole that serves as the basis for most of its vocabulary.
Related terms
Examples
Imperfect L2 learning The imperfect L2 ( second language ) learning hypothesis claims that pidgins are primarily the result of the imperfect L2 learning of the dominant lexifier language by the slaves.
When a Creole language exists alongside its lexifier language, as is the case in Belize, a continuum forms between the Creole and the lexifier language.