ABSTRACT
Young black Londoners are linguistically versatile. To start with, they usually have a command of at least two language varieties, Creole and British English. Within each of these varieties, there is a range of styles which the speaker can draw on in conversation or for other types of talk. In addition, there is dynamic interaction between the two varieties, mainly through code switching. Within individual conversations, speakers may ‘negotiate’ a level of Creole and British English usage with which they are comfortable.
