Document Type

Journal Article

Department/Unit

Department of English Language and Literature

Language

English

Abstract

By taking a generative approach to the investigation of two phonological patterns (Lvocalization and tone assignment) in the Englishes spoken in Singapore and Hong Kong, this study brings theoretical (generative) linguistics to bear on the claim that Englishization and Nativization are indeed two faces of language contact. In the Englishes of these two places, elements of English and the local languages are inseparably interwoven, giving them the distinct characters of their phonologies. The bilingual and bicultural context makes it unviable for anyone to pursue a narrower acquisition of English that is devoid of local character. Extending from the phonological analysis, this paper explains that the asymmetrical perception of English being language of Singapore but less so of Hong Kong is due to their differences in degrees of Englishization and Nativization. This explanation avoids the difficulty of having to justify that English in one area is of a higher standard than the other. Other than bringing theoretical linguistics in line with the study of World Englishes, implications are that the curricular development of English for outer and expanding circles should focus on intelligibility and cultural richness rather than assimilation to inner circle standards.

Publication Date

2008

Source Publication Title

World Englishes

Volume

29

Issue

3-4

Start Page

480

End Page

501

Publisher

Wiley

Peer Reviewed

1

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-971X.2008.00580.x

ISSN (print)

08832919

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