New form of English emerges in China

Increased language learning in China will mean changes to the way English is used worldwide. Native speakers will have to adapt, say researchers from the University of Melbourne

China's emergence as a 21st century superpower will change the way in which the English language is used, both in China and internationally, writes education website University World News.

They cite the conclusions od a new book by language experts at the University of Melbourne that was published last week.

In China and English: Globalisation and the Dilemmas of Identity,researchers Professor Joseph LoBianco and Dr Jane Orton say there are now more Chinese people learning English than there are Americans.

A ‘domesticated’ form of English

They argue that, as a result of increased English language learning in China and increased Chinese language learning in the rest of the world, the international use of the English language will change dramatically.

According to the authors of the book, language students in China learn a 'domesticated' form of the English language with particular words that have been adopted for social and identity purposes.

Native speakers must adapt

Orton, director of a new Chinese teacher training centre at the University of Melbourne, says native English speakers need to learn how to interact with this new form of the language:

»We need to learn how to interact with the 'new' form of English,« she says.

‘Easternisation’

LoBianco says languages have important implications for individuals' identities, which can be clearly seen in the interaction between Chinese and English. Usually this influence is discussed in terms of ‘Westernisation’,but the researchers argue that the influence is mutual.

»Eastern influence has enhanced our lifestyles and the commercial opportunities available to us in so many ways. It is important we embrace China's rapidly developing role in the world, and encourage our young people to not just learn the language, but learn more about their culture too.«

Read more about the book and order here.

luci@adm.ku.dk

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Photo: photos.com A new form of English will emerge as more people in China learn the language, say researchers in Melbourne