The Influence Of English On Modern Chinese Lexicon

Human language is in the constant process of evolution and development. As its basic element, lexicon is the most active aspect of language change. No living language is a closed system, and inter-influences exist among languages. Although English and Chinese belong to different language families, and among other things, they differ greatly in pronunciation and grammar, it may be easily observed that English has an impact on Modern Chinese Lexicon (MCL). Such influence is the result of various factors: Language contact is one of the important reasons for language change, hence Chinese contact with English will inevitably involve the corresponding changes of its lexicon. Language is the carrier of culture, and it is also a part of culture. Communication between different cultures will probably bring about language change, and the imbalanced communication determines the inequality of words assimilation between languages. Along with the development of society and economy, Chinese people display great initiative in learning and absorbing the advanced technologies and ideas of Western countries, which may strengthen the influence of English and accelerate the speed of introducing foreign words on the part of the Chinese language. There exist quite a few loanwords in MCL, which can be categorized into originals (pronounced and written in English syllables and alphabets), words of transliteration, calques or translation loans, hybrid forms of phonetic loans and translation loans, as well as indirect borrowings via a third language. Under the strong influence of English globalization, English words have been introduced into MCL unceasingly, particularly in the field of science and technology. At the same time, some changes have taken place in certain Chinese words. Chinese takes an open attitude towards loanwords, and it has the tradition of assimilating and utilizing them. Some loanwords have been absorbed into Chinese directly, and others may be discarded gradually or adapted to fit in with Chinese lexical structure. Acronyms of English will be widely used because of its brevity and convenience; some Europeanized terms may appear from time to time under English influence in MCL. It should be pointed out that although the influence of English on MCL is a multifold one, it just remains on its superficial level, which is highly restricted. The fundamental structure of Chinese lexicon has never been changed at all. English loanwords can be regarded as beneficial supplements to MCL.