Hong Kong English

Books in this series provide concise, up-to-date documentation for varieties of English from around the world. Written by experts who have conducted first-hand research, the volumes provide a starting point for anyone wishing to know more about a particular dialect. Each volume follows a common structure, covering the background, phonetics and phonology, morphosyntax, lexis and history of a variety of English, and concludes with an annotated bibliography and some sample texts.

This volume provides an overview of all aspects of Hong Kong English in a style designed for undergraduates and general readers. As a former British colony, Hong Kong used English as the language of government, law and education in the early days of colonial rule. Since the Handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997, it is no longer used as the primary language of government; however, the status of English has survived the decline of colonial rule, as English has become an international language which is indispensable for a service-oriented economy such as present-day Hong Kong. Its use is still widespread in legal contexts, and English is the medium of instruction in at least a quarter of secondary schools.

Outwith the realm of education, English is important as a means of international communication in the fields of banking and finance, business, and in the tourism and hospitality industry. English is therefore integrated into Hong Kong life in various ways and this has resulted in a thriving and developing variety of English. This book describes English in Hong Kong as a linguistic phenomenon from the point of view of language structure, but also takes into account historical, socio-cultural and socio-political developments.

Jane Setter is Senior Lecturer in Phonetics in the Department of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading. Cathy S. P. Wong is Assistant Professor in the Department of English at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Brian H. S. Chan is Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of Macau.