Atlas of Pidgin and Creole Language Structures Online

There are two patterns involving the order of comparative degree words and adjectives in Sranan,
which relate to differences between two dialects. Dialect A is the default lect in the present Sranan data set and is spoken primarily by Surinamese of African descent in poorer areas of Paramaribo and in rural areas, and Dialect B is spoken primarily by Dutch dominant speakers (Winford 1997). In cases where only the item being compared is mentioned, as in mi brada moro langa ‘my brother is taller’, or mi brada na a moro langa wan ‘my brother is the tallest’, the comparative marker moro precedes the adjective, and can be interpreted as marking the adjective. This pattern is found in both dialects. In cases where both the item being compared and the standard are present, the degree word (moro or pasa) can either follow the property item, or, in case of moro, precede it, or even both precede and follow it. When moro precedes the property item, it can be interpreted as a comparative marker. When it follows the property item, it can be interpreted as a standard marker. The latter also applies to pasa, which can only follow the property item (Winford 1997).

• Show/hide details

Secondary surpass marking Frequency: 56.2%

• Show/hide details

Particle marking Frequency: 43.8%