The English Language in Hong Kong : Diachronic and Synchronic Perspectives

The English Language in Hong Kong is a fascinating account which compares the role(s) English and Chinese have played and continue to play in Hong Kong. The book shows how the processes of colonialism and globalisation have influenced the changing roles of the languages and considers how the increasing influence of China itself will influence language choice. Will Putonghua come to replace Cantonese and English? This superbly researched book is a must-read for anyone interested in Hong Kong's history and future. -- Andy Kirkpatrick, Professor, Griffith University, Australia The English Language in Hong Kong: Diachronic and Synchronic Perspectives by Stephen Evans of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers an authoritative and highly readable history of the changing profile of languages in Hong Kong, with specific focus on English and Cantonese and their interactions in the key sectors of government, education, and business. It is a monumental achievement, by far the most thoroughgoing account to date of language in Hong Kong, making clear the great ingenuity of the Hong Kong people in using their linguistic resources to both express and create their unique character and culture, and to achieve success in local, regional, and international contexts. -- Martha Pennington, Professor, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London This book presents an empirically-grounded sociolinguistic history of the English language in Hong Kong in the past 170 years. Using substantial sets of diachronic and synchronic data, it traces the changing status and functions of English in relation to spoken Cantonese, Mandarin and written Chinese in the key domains of government, education and business. The author tracks the rise of English-knowing bilingualism in the city's Chinese community and explores the evolutionary dynamics of Hong Kong English. He also speculates on the future of English in the territory, particularly after 2047 when the 'one country, two systems' framework established by the Sino-British Joint Declaration is dismantled. Researchers and students working in the fields of sociolinguistics, English as a global language, world Englishes, applied linguistics and English-language education will find this book provides valuable information and insights about the uses and users of English in colonial and post-colonial Hong Kong. More generally, it makes a unique contribution to the literature on the diffusion and diversification of English worldwide. Stephen Evans is a Professor in the Department of English at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China, where he teaches courses in sociolinguistics, English as an international language and ELT syllabus and materials design. He has published widely in the areas of language policy, world Englishes, English for specific purposes and language in education.iv> Dedication 6 Acknowledgements 8 Contents 10 List of Abbreviations 12 List of Figures 14 chapter 1: Introduction: Exploring the Diffusion and Diversification of English 16 The Globalisation of English 17 Models and Theories 20 Hong Kong as a Research Setting 23 Studies of English in Hong Kong 25 The Present Study 27 Notes 27 chapter 2: Language Trends in the Organs of Government 29 The Changing Status of English 29 The Executive Branch 32 The Legislative Branch 37 The Judicial Branch 40 Notes 44 chapter 3: Language Policies and Practices in Education 46 Change and Continuity in Hong Kong’s Education System 46 Language Policies and Practices in the Colonial Era 51 Language Policies and Practices Since the Handover 56 Language Policies and Practices in Higher Education 61 Notes 65 chapter 4: English as a Business Lingua Franca 66 English and Economic Development 66 The Emergence of a China Coast Entrepôt (1842–1941) 68 The Acquisition and Use of English for Business Purposes (1830s to 1940s) 70 The Rise of a Global Business City (1945 to Present) 72 Patterns of Language Use in the Business World (1950s to Present) 74 Notes 82 chapter 5: The English-Using Community 84 The ‘Declining’ Standard of English 84 Demographic and Linguistic Trends in Government Censuses 89 Trends in the Authorship of Letters to the English Press 94 Trends in the Membership of Juries 98 Notes 101 chapter 6: The Evolutionary Dynamics of Hong Kong English 103 Recognition of Hong Kong English 103 Justifying the Existence of Hong Kong English 105 Modelling the Development of Hong Kong English 107 Socio-political Background 108 Identity Constructions 110 Sociolinguistic Conditions 114 Linguistic Effects 116 Notes 119 chapter 7: Conclusion: Investigating the Past, Illuminating the Present, Imagining the Future 120 References 128 Primary Sources 128 Secondary Sources 132 Index 141 Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Introduction: Exploring the Diffusion and Diversification of English....Pages 1-13 Language Trends in the Organs of Government....Pages 15-31 Language Policies and Practices in Education....Pages 33-52 English as a Business Lingua Franca....Pages 53-70 The English-Using Community....Pages 71-89 The Evolutionary Dynamics of Hong Kong English....Pages 91-107 Conclusion: Investigating the Past, Illuminating the Present, Imagining the Future....Pages 109-116 Back Matter....Pages 117-136 Stephen Evans presents an empirically-grounded sociolinguistic history of the English language in Hong Kong in the past 170 years. Using substantial sets of diachronic and synchronic data, he traces the changing status and functions of English in relation to spoken Cantonese, Mandarin and written Chinese in the key domains of government, education and business Stephen Evans. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 117-129) And Index.