Overview
- Draw on years of empirically-grounded research in the use of English in the domains of business, law and education in Hong Kong, as well as English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in general
- Offers a comprehensive diachronic and synchronic description of English in Hong Kong
- Employs historical sources, census data, as well as more recent usage surveys
- Explains in detail who the users of English have been over the 170-year history of the city
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Table of contents(7 chapters)
About this book
Reviews
“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 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)
Authors and Affiliations
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Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Stephen Evans
About the author
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: The English Language in Hong Kong
Book Subtitle: Diachronic and Synchronic Perspectives
Authors: Stephen Evans
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-50624-5
Publisher: Palgrave Pivot London
eBook Packages: Social Sciences, Social Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2016
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-137-50623-8Published: 19 October 2016
eBook ISBN: 978-1-137-50624-5Published: 24 August 2016
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XIV, 136
Number of Illustrations: 21 b/w illustrations
Topics: Asian Languages, Asian Literature, Sociolinguistics, Language Policy and Planning, Language and Literature, Multilingualism