China English: friend or foe?

  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
What ‘others’ interpret
What the Chinese mean
Lion Dance

The dancing performance of the lion in Madagascar?          
The Chinese custom of dispelling evil and bringing good luck.
Lions symbolize fearlessness and strength.
Dragon Dance
 The dancing performance of a non-existing creature?
The Chinese custom of bringing good luck and auspicious future.
Dragons symbolize power and dignity in China.
Colour wolf
 A wolf in different colours.
 Sex-maniac.
‘Se’ (Chinese translation of colour) is sometimes associated with ‘hao se’ (lustful).
Wolves symbolize people who have evil and cunning thoughts.
Pay New Year calls
 Pay for the bills of the telephone service during the New Year?
 ‘Bai nian’. What people do when they give greetings to each other at the Chinese New Year.







  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.