Englishes in China: Evolution and Recognition in World Englishes

Yiting Shen

doi:10.54097/teqce478

Authors

Yiting Shen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/teqce478

Keywords:

China English, Nativization, World Englishes

Abstract

This study offers an in-depth examination of the development of “China English” (CE) within the framework of World Englishes (WE). Tracing the historical trajectory of English in China, from its origins in Chinese Pidgin English to the contemporary manifestations of CE, the paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of its various stages. Situating CE within the broader context of WE, the study engages in debates regarding its recognition as a distinct variety of English. Moreover, it investigates the process of nativization of CE, highlighting its phonological features, lexicon enriched with cultural nuances and discourse patterns shaped by sociocultural dynamics. Despite ongoing debates surrounding the legitimacy of CE, the paper argues that its evolution conforms to established parameters of nativization, thereby establishing it as a legitimate variant within the global landscape of English. Beyond linguistic examination, the study emphasizes the significant role of CE in facilitating international English communication amidst China's expanding global influence. By delving into the intricate interplay of language, culture, and identity in our interconnected world, this research provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of global communication.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Crystal, D. (1997). English as a Global Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Sun, L. (1989). The study of country-specific variants of English and English in China. Foreign Languages (Journal of Shanghai Institute of Foreign Languages), (02), 19-25.

Wang, R. P., (1991). Chinese English as an Objective Existence. Journal of the PLA Foreign Language Institute, (01), 1-8+56.

Li, W. (1993). Chinese English and Chinese-style English. Foreign Language Teaching and Research, (04), 18-24+80.

Zhang, P. C., (1995). Purpose of use and country-specific variants - also on Chinese English. Modern Foreign Languages, (03), 16-21+72.

Jia, G. J., & Xiang, M. Y. (1997). A defense of Chinese English. Foreign Languages and Foreign Language Teaching, (05), 10-11.

Pan, Z. X., (2002). The study of Chinese English variants--Retrospect and Prospect. Foreign Language Studies, (06), 24-27.

Qiu, L. Z., & Ning, Q. X. (2002). Questioning "Chinese English": A discussion with Mr. Du Ruiqing and Mr. Jiang Yajun. Foreign Language Teaching, (06), 23-27.

Jiang, Y, & Du, R. (2003). The problem of "Chinese English" - A response to the article "Questioning 'Chinese English'". Foreign Language Teaching, (01), 27-35.

Du, Q. M. (1998). World English Contexts and Language and Culture in Chinese English. Foreign Languages and Foreign Language Teaching, (08), 13-15.

Meng, Z, & Yu, Z. T. (2003). Chinese English and English Language Teaching. Shandong Foreign Language Teaching, (01), 9-11.

Bolton, K. (2003). Chinese Englishes: A sociolinguistic history. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Li, W. (2005). The History and Reality of English in China--Introduction to English in China: A Sociolinguistic History. Foreign Language Teaching and Research, (01), 76-78..

Deterding, D. (2006). The pronunciation of English by speakers from China. English World-Wide, 27, 175–98.

Yun, W., & Jia, F. (2003). Using English in China. English Today, 19(4), 42-47.

Chen, Y. (1979). Yuyan Yu Shehui Shenghuo, Life, Reading and Knowledge. Trinity Press, Hong Kong.

Holm, A. J. (1988). Pidgins and Creoles. Cambridge University Press, New York.

Thomason, S. G., & T. Kaufman. (1988). Language Contact, Creolization and Genetic Linguistics. University of California Press, Berkeley.

Eaves, M. (2011). English, Chinglish or China English?: Analysing Chinglish, Chinese English and China English. English Today, 27(4), 64-70.

Zhang, W. Z. (1998). Teaching you how to use authentic English. World Knowledge Publishing House.

Ge, C. G. (1980). (1980). Ramblings on the problem of translating from Chinese to English. Chinese Translation, (02), 1-8.

Xie, Z. J. (1995). Chinese English: An intrusive variant in cross-cultural language communication. Modern Foreign Languages, (04), 7-11+72.

Luo, Y. Z. (1998). The pre-English landscape in China. Foreign Languages and Foreign Language Teaching, (05), 23-24+50.

Li, W. (1993). Chinese English and Chinese-style English. Foreign Language Teaching and Research, (04), 18-24+80.

Kirkpatrick, A., & Xu, Z. (2002). Chinese pragmatic norms and “China English”. World Englishes, 21(2), 269–79.

Hu, X. 2005. China English, at home and in the world. English Today, 21(3), 27–38.

Yang, C. & Zhang, L. J. (2015). China English in trouble: evidence from dyadic teacher talk. System, 51, 39–50.

Hu, X. (2004). Why China English should stand alongside British, American, and the other ‘World Englishes. English Today, 20(2), 26–33.

Kachru, B. B. (1992). The Other Tongue: English across Cultures. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press.

Kachru, Y., & Nelson, C.L. (2006). World Englishes in Asian Contexts. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

Trudgill, P., & Hannah, J. (2008). International English: a guide to the varieties of Standard English. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203785225

Bailey, R. W., & Gorlach, M. (1982). English as a world language. Cambridge University Press.

Leather, J. (1983). Second-language Pronunciation Learning and Teaching. Language Teaching, 16, 198-219.

Jiang, Y. J. (1995). Chinglish and China English. English Today, 41, 51-53.

Jiang, Y. J. (2002). RP as World Standard Spoken English. Speaking English, 35, 19-25.

Le, M. Y., & Ling D. X. (1994). Pronunciation Errors of Different Dialect Areas in China. Xiandai Waiyu (Modern Foreign Languages), 41(3), 55-60.

Meng, Y., & and Wang, Y. Y. (1992). The Impacts of Learning Putonghua on Learning English Pronunciation. Waiyu Jiaoxue Yu Yanjiu (Foreign Language Teaching and Research), 89(1), 10-13.

Wen, Q. F., & Wu, C. X. (1999). An Assessment of Oral Proficiency of English Majors. Waiyu Jiaoxue Yu Yanjiu (Foreign Language Teaching and Research), 117(1), 29-34.

Nihalani, P. (1999). Vowel Phonology of Asian Englishes: Towards a Characterization of ‘International English’. Proceedings of International Congress of Phonetic Science 99, San Francisco.

Wu, J. (1979). A Chinese-English Dictionary. Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.

Wu, J. (1997). A Chinese-English Dictionary (revised ed.). Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.

Gao, H. (2000). A Study of Chinese EFL Learners’ Strategic Competence in Oral Communication. Foreign Language Teaching and Research, 1: 53-58.

Feng, Z. (2000). The Pragmatics of English Dialogues in the Chinese Context. Paper presented at the fourth workshop of Gotalog 2000, Gothenburg University. Available at: http://www. ling.gu.se/konferenser/ gotalog 2000/ FinalP/ feng.pdf.