China
English is undergoing development and becoming a new variety of English originated
in China. Some people may negatively label it as a non-standard variety.
However, it is notably not nonsense in meaning and irrational in structure as
Chinglish. China English is indeed based on the standard English, features Chinese
culture and Chinese characteristics in lexicon, syntax and discourse without
violating the grammatical rules. It is seen as the fusion of the Eastern
culture and the Western language. The English translation of Chinese dishes can
be used as examples. ‘Mushroom with Duck
Webs’ signifies the primary and secondary ingredients. ‘Sauteed Pig Kidney’ describes the
cooking style. ‘Crispy Chicken’
reveals the texture of the dish. The uses of ‘in’ and ‘with’ are
clearly set apart. ‘In’ is used when
the ingredients are cooked with the sauce while ‘with’ is used when the sauce is added on top of the ingredients.
Chinese dishes are renowned of their complex ways of cooking. The English
translation of dishes is simple but significantly highlights the most
distinguishing feature of the dishes. The signs of Chinese culture still
outstand under the veil of English.
People
who are not familiar with Chinese culture and social lifestyle may interpret
the words literally, fail to find out the Chinese culture inherent in China
English or understand the meaning. For example,
What the Chinese say
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What ‘others’ interpret
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What the Chinese mean
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Lion Dance
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Lions symbolize fearlessness and strength.
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Dragon Dance
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Dragons symbolize power and dignity in
China.
|
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Colour wolf
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‘Se’ (Chinese translation of colour) is
sometimes associated with ‘hao se’
(lustful).
Wolves symbolize people who have evil and
cunning thoughts.
|
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Pay New Year
calls
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However, with the widespread use of China English over the globe, it is believed that Chinese culture can be simultaneously exported to foreigner countries. In recent decades, China English prevails in the West due to the overseas journalists’ employment, more foreigners are exposed to this variety and able to realize the literal meaning and also the cultural meaning. Language is becoming a tool for China to export its local colour to the rest of the world.