Datapoint Mauritian Creole/Definite articles
We have a database of 100,000 words covering 1730 to 1930. Examining these data one can see that there has been a slow tendency for sa ... la to become the normal demonstrative and for postposed la to fulfil the function of definite article (sa without la is occasionally encountered as demonstrative.) But one still encounters many examples of postposed -la alone where definite and demonstrative interpretations of its role are equally possible. There are also 1,200,000 speakers of Mauritian Creole and they are all influenced by French and English to some extent. It is thus not possible to adopt a TRUE or FALSE position regarding Values 1 and 2. There is and has long been a strong tendency for sa ... la to be the demonstrative and for postposed unstressed la to gain acceptance as the definite article, but the process is not yet complete.
Values 
Definite article distinct from demonstratives
- Example 55-51:
-
Silvi fek aste en rob nef; mo truv kuler la byeṅ zoliSilviSilviefekjustastebuyenindf.artrobdressnef;newmo1sgtruvfindkulercolourladefbyeṅveryzoliniceSilvie has just bought a new dress. I think the colour is very attractive.
- Confidence:
- Intermediate