When more is more: The mixed language Light Warlpiri amalgamates source language phonologies to form a near-maximal inventory

Abstract This paper presents a combined analysis of the perception and production study mixed language Light Warlpiri (Australia), which systematically combines elements Warlpiri, Kriol English. The results suggest that phonological inventory consists voiced voiceless series stops affricates, differentiated by Voice Onset Time (VOT) word-initially Constriction Duration (CD) medially, incorporating English-like VOT differentiation duration differences found in also number traditional Indigenous Australian languages. show speakers perceptually differentiate fricatives at same POA, but voicing distinctions are more difficult to discriminate than stops. large most features source languages, allowing maintain sufficient phonemic contrasts accommodate vocabulary items sourced from English/Kriol as well Warlpiri.