Creole languages and genes: the case of São Tomé and Príncipe*

Abstract

This article focuses on the gene-language connection between the Portugueserelated Gulf of Guinea creole-speaking populations in São Tomé and Príncipe. The Gulf of Guinea creoles constitute a young language family of four languages spoken on three islands: Santome (ST) and Angolar (AN) on the island of São Tomé; Principense (PR) on Príncipe; and Fa d’Ambo (FA) on Annobón. The latter island, which integrates Equatorial Guinea, is not included in our genetic case-study because its population has not yet been sampled. Figure 1 shows the islands in the Gulf of Guinea.