This is an introductory course for beginning students of Melanesian Pidgins and Creoles. The three varieties of Pidgins are: Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin PNG Tok Pisin), Solomon Islands Pijin (S.I Pijin) and Vanuatu Bislama (Van.Bislama). The course consists of three parts: firstly, a strong focus on learning one of the Pidgins well (i.e.,PNG Tok Pisin) so that by the end of the semester students will have acquired a high level of proficiency in communication, written and other usages of the language: secondly, a comparative component of all the Pidgins of their sound systems, vocabulary and grammar: thirdly, an exploration of the emergence and status of Pidgins in Melanesia.

Students to:

1. have acquired a high level of proficiency in the language giving them confidence to discuss topical issues and normal everyday conversations in Tok Pisin
2. demonstrate proficiency in the grammar and vocabulary of Tok Pisin in   written work and oral communication.
3. identify differences in all the Pidgins, in particular in their sound systems and able to use them at a reasonable level.
4. gain an appreciation of the emergence of Pidgins and their status and cultural differences in Melanesian countries.

Language Skills Assessment

Oral Communication test            Mid term            10%

                                               Final                  20%

Reading/Comprehension            Mid term            10%

                                               Final                  10%

Writing & Translation                  Mid term              5%

                                               Final                  10%

Grammar                                  Mid term            10%

                                               Final                  10%

Class Performance                                              10%

Attendance                                                          5%