Preverbal modal markers in Kriol (English-based creole, northern Australia): an irrealis system?

A bstract This article discusses the expression of modality in Kriol, one of the English-based creoles spoken in the north of Australia. More specifically, we focus on Kriol preverbal modal markers, and explore the semantic principles underlying the system they form. We show that notwithstanding English etymologies, the system of Kriol preverbal modal markers cannot be satisfyingly accounted for uniquely in terms of modal strength or flavour. Several of these markers operate in areas of the irrealis domain where strength-based analyses are partly inoperant. In this respect, the treatment of modality in Kriol aligns well with the semantic organisation of modal markers reported for some other Australian languages.