《中式英语之鉴》读书笔记

憋佬仔

Definition and Scope of China English: The authors begin by defining China English as "a variety of English influenced by or used by Chinese speakers, exhibiting features of Chinese in its grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation." They differentiate it from "pidgin English" or simply "incorrect English," framing it as a natural product of language contact with its own internal consistency and patterns. The book provides numerous examples of China English, covering various aspects such as phonology, lexis, syntax, and discourse.
Causes of China English: The authors analyze the emergence of China English from multiple angles, including language transfer, cultural differences, learning strategies, teaching methodologies, and the language environment. Among these, negative transfer from Chinese is highlighted as a significant factor. For instance, the book explains how the structure of Chinese sentences often leads to direct translations into English that sound awkward or ungrammatical to native English speakers. The influence of Chinese culture on communication styles and pragmatic norms is also discussed.
Characteristics of China English: The book systematically examines the characteristics of China English at different linguistic levels. For example, in phonology, it discusses the common pronunciation challenges faced by Chinese speakers, such as the difficulty in distinguishing between /l/ and /r/ or /θ/ and /s/. In vocabulary, it explores the use of Chinese loanwords in English or the creation of new words based on Chinese morphological patterns. In syntax, it analyzes typical errors resulting from the application of Chinese grammatical rules to English, such as the misuse of articles or prepositions.
Impact of China English: The authors discuss the potential consequences of China English, both positive and negative. On the one hand, it can be seen as a natural evolution of the English language in a globalized world and a reflection of China's increasing influence. On the other hand, it can lead to misunderstandings in international communication and hinder the acquisition of native-like proficiency in English.
Recommendations for English Teaching and Learning: Based on their analysis, the authors offer practical suggestions for improving English education in China. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness of cross-linguistic differences, promoting communicative language teaching approaches, and creating an immersive English learning environment. They also advocate for a balanced approach that acknowledges the influence of Chinese while striving for accuracy and fluency in English.
Reading "The China English Medium" has been an eye-opening experience for me. As an English learner (or assuming the perspective of one), I found the detailed analysis of the common pitfalls and errors committed by Chinese speakers to be particularly enlightening. It helped me understand the root causes of these errors and provided me with strategies to avoid them. The book also reinforced the idea that learning English is not just about acquiring linguistic knowledge but also about understanding the culture of English-speaking countries and developing cross-cultural communicative competence.
The suggestions for improving English teaching and learning are also valuable. I will pay more attention to pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and discourse, and actively work to overcome the negative influence of China English. I will also seek out opportunities to engage with English more frequently and improve my overall proficiency.