Principles at work.

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The study examines various models explaining the emergence of linguistic features in different English varieties, analyzing five non-standard forms, including dialects, pidgins, and creoles. It evaluates morphosyntactic and phonological characteristics, discussing theoretical frameworks and their applicability. The paper favors Bybee's usage-based functionalist approach and Ansaldo's synthesis of new-dialect formation as viable explanations, while rejecting formalist models. It emphasizes the significance of functionalist and cognitive universals in language change, particularly in contexts of language and speaker contact.