Variation in written learner Hong Kong English: a quantitative and qualitative description

Yuen, Kwok Sum Stephen (2017) Variation in written learner Hong Kong English: a quantitative and qualitative description. MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Written Learner Hong Kong English (WLHKE) is a variety of Hong Kong English (HKE) which has received less attention in Sociolinguistics than Spoken HKE (SHKE) and computer-mediated communication (CMC) HKE (also known as CHKE). Therefore, some scholars (e.g. Setter et al., 2010 p.81) call for detailed investigation on WLHKE to provide this missing link in a widely used variety of English.
This thesis examines WLHKE using online data taken from an academic forum. It provides a descriptive account of the non-standard features in WLHKE and also employs a variationist analysis of plural marking. The results show that while WLHKE contains a number of distinct linguistic features, it also shares many linguistic features with SHKE and CHKE. A detailed analysis of plural marking demonstrates that a number of linguistic factors systemically condition the variation. Overall, WLHKE is much more standard than SHKE or CHKE, suggesting that asynchronous use of HKE allows for drafting of forms which more closely align with standard English.

• Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Hong Kong English, HKE, written learner Hong Kong English, WLHKE, sociolinguistics, linguistic variation.
• Subjects: P Language and Literature > PE English
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > English Language and Linguistics
• Supervisor's Name: Smith, Professor Jennifer and Stuart-Smith, Professor Jane
• Date of Award: 2017
• Depositing User: Kwok Sum Yuen
• Unique ID: glathesis:2017-8168
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 05 Jun 2017 12:02
• Last Modified: 25 Aug 2017 08:46
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/8168