New book challenges notion that English only belongs to native speakers
A groundbreaking new book has further revealed that English is a global language which comes in multiple varieties, and challenges the idea that there is only one correct way to speak and write English in higher education.
The global spread of English means that there are now more non-native speakers than native speakers. This has naturally led to the development of new vocabulary and grammatical structures in different regions. For example, in Indian English, you might hear the word "prepone" (meaning to reschedule a meeting earlier) or the phrase 鈥淎re you wanting something?鈥�.
Emerging Englishes: China English in Academic Writing by Drs Alex Baratta, Rui He & Paul Vincent Smith encourages readers to rethink how English is used around the world. The focus of the authors鈥� research is on a specific type of English known as 鈥楥hina English,鈥� which is of course used by Chinese individuals, here comprising Chinese students studying at The University of 野狼社区. The book is one of the few studies of China English to analyse naturally occurring written data produced in an academic context.
The book emphasises that 鈥楥hina English鈥� is not a version of English filled with mistakes - as is often implied by the term 鈥楥hinglish鈥� - but is a legitimate variety of the language. By analysing the academic writing of Chinese students, the authors have demonstrated that 鈥楥hina English鈥� follows its own predictable patterns in grammar and vocabulary, much like other recognised types of English spoken globally.
As well as essays written by Chinese students in a university Master鈥檚 Degree programme, the research is based on data from online surveys of the students themselves. The findings suggest that 鈥楥hina English鈥� is not random or chaotic - instead, it has a system of rules that makes it a valid form of the language.
In the book, the authors also raise important questions about how English is taught, especially in academic settings. Should we keep insisting on 鈥楽tandard English,鈥� or should we start accepting other varieties of English as well? The book investigates how these changes are reflected in the way Chinese students write academic essays, and encourages readers to think about how different forms of English might affect teaching, grading, and even a student鈥檚 identity and their acculturation experiences abroad.
鈥淲e have discovered robust evidence for grammatical constructions such as 鈥榬esearches鈥�, expressions such as 鈥榤ute English鈥�, and a deferential style of emailing (鈥楳y Dear Professor鈥�),鈥� said Dr Baratta.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of the English language and its many forms around the world.
Emerging Englishes: China English in Academic Writing can be purchased at the following link:
That China English differs from standard British English does not render it invalid - we need to fully accept that a global language comes in multiple varieties, rather than assert a one-size-fits-all perspective to a language that is anything but.