Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course explores the fascinating ways new languages are born and how they evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. From the "makeshift" trade tongues of the 19th century to the sophisticated Creole languages of the Caribbean and the idealistic dreams of constructed languages like Esperanto, we will examine how human beings create communication from scratch. We will look at how these languages are far more than just tools for trade; they are powerful markers of resilience, cultural identity, and global community.
What will we cover?
Our journey begins by uncovering how human interaction drives the birth of new ways of speaking, using the 19th‑century trade language Chinook Jargon to illustrate how people survive and connect across cultural divides. We then explore the history of pidgins-fascinating, makeshift languages such as Tok Pisin and Nigerian Pidgin-to understand how they functioned as essential tools for global commerce and social interaction.
As we move into the story of Creole languages, we examine powerful examples including Kriol from Guinea‑Bissau and Cape Verde, alongside Creoles found in places such as Hawai'i. Through these cases, we discover how colonial trade languages undergo a profound transformation into fully developed native languages, becoming enduring symbols of cultural resilience, resistance, and community identity.
The course also explores the idealistic side of language history through the “dream of a universal language,” focusing on the creation of Esperanto and its goal of promoting international understanding and world peace. Finally, we turn our attention to the present and future, examining how modern communities-from digital subcultures on the internet to the developers of artificial intelligence-continue to reshape human communication in an increasingly connected world.
Throughout the course we'll be joined by tutors, researchers and speakers of different languages including:
Dr Florence Marfo (City Lit Languages Department)
Dr Kelsey Sasaki (Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Cognitive Science at Pomona College)
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain the historical and social contexts that lead to the birth of new languages.
Identify the key linguistic features that distinguish pidgins from creoles.
Understand how the forces of global colonialism have given rise to new languages and continue to shape language attitudes to this day.
Discuss the successes and limitations of constructed languages like Esperanto in building a global community.
Analyse how language evolution acts as a mirror for cultural identity and resilience.
Reflect on the impact of digital technology on how we create and adapt language today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course open to everyone. No previous background in linguistics or foreign languages is needed-just a curiosity about how people communicate. It’s perfect for anyone interested in anthropology, history, or the social power of words.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course features a mix of engaging lectures, case studies, and interactive group activities. We will analyse real-world texts and ne joined by guest speakers of creole and constructed languages. While there is no formal homework, there will be suggested reading materials to continue your learning and interest outside of sessions. You will be encouraged to keep a "language log" of new words, phrases and grammar you've encountered along the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. All reading materials and case studies will be provided via Google Classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might also be interested in our other language-related courses:
Dr Florence Marfo joined City Lit in March 2026 as Languages Coordinator of non-Romance languages. Florence has a BA in French language and literature from Goldsmiths London University and a Phd in African American and Afro-Brazilian Oral and Written Text from Bristol University. Florence has been a contributor to the Bulletin of Latin American Research and BlackPast.org. As a qualified senior leader and head teacher, she has experience of working as Academic Manager at Bede’s Summer School and Morley College. Florence is a podcaster, interviewing Black actors, scholars and musicians from the UK and abroad in a podcast called Black Artistry: Inspiration Recrafted.
Jack Pulman-SlaterSee moreSee less
Welsh/Swedish: Raised in the Welsh-speaking heartland of north Pembrokeshire, Jack has taught Welsh to adults since 2017 in London, Cardiff and online. He has a particular interest in using phonetic approaches to improve learners’ pronunciation and teaches interactive pronunciation workshops. A keen language learner, Jack began studying Swedish at City Lit and quickly became obsessed by this fascinating Germanic language. He holds an advanced certificate in Swedish from Folkuniversitetet (Göteborg) and coordinates Scandinavian language courses at City Lit. As a tutor on workshops and beginner level courses, Jack enjoys helping learners to overcome the challenges that he himself faced as a learner. Sociolinguistics: Jack completed his PhD at Ysgol y Gymraeg (Cardiff University) in 2023, where he researched how linguistic backgrounds of adult learners of Welsh affect their pronunciation. Jack teaches introductory courses on language policy and attitudes in Sweden, the history of the Welsh language, and the pragmatics of politeness. He brings theoretical insight to help learners understand how language is viewed, used and changed.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/emerging-languages-and-cultures3036397Emerging languages and cultureshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/e/m/emerging_languages_and_cultures_-_hmi78-1080.jpg129129GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Online courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Cultural studies/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Cultural studies/Cultural studies/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Histories, memories & heritage/Courses/vm/Black history month228511771731120120641178190713478122851177120111781653<p>Learn how humans invent entirely new languages and how these new forms of communication become powerful symbols of identity. </p>003036391Emerging languages and cultures129129https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/e/m/emerging_languages_and_cultures_-_hmi78-1080_1.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHMI78129129Emerging languages and cultures12984129Florence Marfo, Jack Pulman-Slateremerging-languages-and-cultures/hmi78-2627<p>Learn how humans invent entirely new languages and how these new forms of communication become powerful symbols of identity. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-15 00:00:00<p>This course explores the fascinating ways new languages are born and how they evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. From the "makeshift" trade tongues of the 19th century to the sophisticated Creole languages of the Caribbean and the idealistic dreams of constructed languages like Esperanto, we will examine how human beings create communication from scratch. We will look at how these languages are far more than just tools for trade; they are powerful markers of resilience, cultural identity, and global community. </p><p>Learn how humans invent entirely new languages and how these new forms of communication become powerful symbols of identity. </p><p>Our journey begins by uncovering how human interaction drives the birth of new ways of speaking, using the 19th‑century trade language Chinook Jargon to illustrate how people survive and connect across cultural divides. We then explore the history of pidgins-fascinating, makeshift languages such as Tok Pisin and Nigerian Pidgin-to understand how they functioned as essential tools for global commerce and social interaction.</p><p>As we move into the story of Creole languages, we examine powerful examples including Kriol from Guinea‑Bissau and Cape Verde, alongside Creoles found in places such as Hawai'i. Through these cases, we discover how colonial trade languages undergo a profound transformation into fully developed native languages, becoming enduring symbols of cultural resilience, resistance, and community identity.</p><p>The course also explores the idealistic side of language history through the “dream of a universal language,” focusing on the creation of Esperanto and its goal of promoting international understanding and world peace. Finally, we turn our attention to the present and future, examining how modern communities-from digital subcultures on the internet to the developers of artificial intelligence-continue to reshape human communication in an increasingly connected world.<br><br>Throughout the course we'll be joined by tutors, researchers and speakers of different languages including:</p><ul><li>Dr Florence Marfo (City Lit Languages Department)</li><li>Dr Kelsey Sasaki (Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Cognitive Science at Pomona College)</li></ul><ul><li>Explain the historical and social contexts that lead to the birth of new languages. </li><li>Identify the key linguistic features that distinguish pidgins from creoles. </li><li>Understand how the forces of global colonialism have given rise to new languages and continue to shape language attitudes to this day. </li><li>Discuss the successes and limitations of constructed languages like Esperanto in building a global community. </li><li>Analyse how language evolution acts as a mirror for cultural identity and resilience. </li><li>Reflect on the impact of digital technology on how we create and adapt language today. </li></ul><p>This is an introductory course open to everyone. No previous background in linguistics or foreign languages is needed-just a curiosity about how people communicate. It’s perfect for anyone interested in anthropology, history, or the social power of words. </p><p>The course features a mix of engaging lectures, case studies, and interactive group activities. We will analyse real-world texts and ne joined by guest speakers of creole and constructed languages. While there is no formal homework, there will be suggested reading materials to continue your learning and interest outside of sessions. You will be encouraged to keep a "language log" of new words, phrases and grammar you've encountered along the course. </p><p>There are no additional costs. All reading materials and case studies will be provided via Google Classroom.</p><p>You might also be interested in our other language-related courses:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/language-police-europe-s-language-academies-and-attitudes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Language police: Europe’s Language Academies and Attitudes </a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-welsh-language-a-condensed-modern-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the History of the Welsh Language</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/languages/european/french/beginners" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beginners' French courses online and in-person</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/languages/european/portuguese/beginners" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beginners' Brazilian Portuguese courses online and in-person</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/world-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our global and imperial history courses here</a>.<br><br><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Cultural studiesCultural studiesCulture, history & humanitiesHistoryHistories, memories & heritagevirtual12912984HMI78NONETue15/09/26 - 13/10/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:305 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineFlorence Marfo, Jack Pulman-SlaterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00EveningSep 2026Culture, history & humanities129129Emerging languages and culturesemerging-languages-and-cultures/hmi78-2627<p>Learn how humans invent entirely new languages and how these new forms of communication become powerful symbols of identity. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-15 00:00:00<p>This course explores the fascinating ways new languages are born and how they evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. From the "makeshift" trade tongues of the 19th century to the sophisticated Creole languages of the Caribbean and the idealistic dreams of constructed languages like Esperanto, we will examine how human beings create communication from scratch. We will look at how these languages are far more than just tools for trade; they are powerful markers of resilience, cultural identity, and global community. </p><p>Learn how humans invent entirely new languages and how these new forms of communication become powerful symbols of identity. </p><p>Our journey begins by uncovering how human interaction drives the birth of new ways of speaking, using the 19th‑century trade language Chinook Jargon to illustrate how people survive and connect across cultural divides. We then explore the history of pidgins-fascinating, makeshift languages such as Tok Pisin and Nigerian Pidgin-to understand how they functioned as essential tools for global commerce and social interaction.</p><p>As we move into the story of Creole languages, we examine powerful examples including Kriol from Guinea‑Bissau and Cape Verde, alongside Creoles found in places such as Hawai'i. Through these cases, we discover how colonial trade languages undergo a profound transformation into fully developed native languages, becoming enduring symbols of cultural resilience, resistance, and community identity.</p><p>The course also explores the idealistic side of language history through the “dream of a universal language,” focusing on the creation of Esperanto and its goal of promoting international understanding and world peace. Finally, we turn our attention to the present and future, examining how modern communities-from digital subcultures on the internet to the developers of artificial intelligence-continue to reshape human communication in an increasingly connected world.<br><br>Throughout the course we'll be joined by tutors, researchers and speakers of different languages including:</p><ul><li>Dr Florence Marfo (City Lit Languages Department)</li><li>Dr Kelsey Sasaki (Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Cognitive Science at Pomona College)</li></ul><ul><li>Explain the historical and social contexts that lead to the birth of new languages. </li><li>Identify the key linguistic features that distinguish pidgins from creoles. </li><li>Understand how the forces of global colonialism have given rise to new languages and continue to shape language attitudes to this day. </li><li>Discuss the successes and limitations of constructed languages like Esperanto in building a global community. </li><li>Analyse how language evolution acts as a mirror for cultural identity and resilience. </li><li>Reflect on the impact of digital technology on how we create and adapt language today. </li></ul><p>This is an introductory course open to everyone. No previous background in linguistics or foreign languages is needed-just a curiosity about how people communicate. It’s perfect for anyone interested in anthropology, history, or the social power of words. </p><p>The course features a mix of engaging lectures, case studies, and interactive group activities. We will analyse real-world texts and ne joined by guest speakers of creole and constructed languages. While there is no formal homework, there will be suggested reading materials to continue your learning and interest outside of sessions. You will be encouraged to keep a "language log" of new words, phrases and grammar you've encountered along the course. </p><p>There are no additional costs. All reading materials and case studies will be provided via Google Classroom.</p><p>You might also be interested in our other language-related courses:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/language-police-europe-s-language-academies-and-attitudes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Language police: Europe’s Language Academies and Attitudes </a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-welsh-language-a-condensed-modern-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the History of the Welsh Language</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/languages/european/french/beginners" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beginners' French courses online and in-person</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/languages/european/portuguese/beginners" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beginners' Brazilian Portuguese courses online and in-person</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/world-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our global and imperial history courses here</a>.<br><br><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Cultural studiesCultural studiesCulture, history & humanitiesHistoryHistories, memories & heritageconfigurable
20641201Cultural studieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/culture/culture-11/2/285/1177/1201/2064/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Cultural studies/Cultural studies
