The Corpora of China English: Implications for an EFL Dictionary for Chinese Learners of English

  • Lixin Xia Centre for Lexicographical Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, P.R. China
  • Yun Xia Department of International Studies, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
  • Yihua Zhang Centre for Lexicographical Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, P.R. China
  • Hilary Nesi School of Arts and Humanities, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5788/26-1-1342
Keywords: China English, corpus, definitions, English–Chinese learner's dictionary, English varieties, glosses, headword selection, labels, lexicography, linguistic features of China English, language contact, World Englishes

Abstract

The localization of the English language in China has brought about a distinctive English variety which has come to be known as China English. Recently, several corpora of China English have been or are being built; these will help us to identify the established linguistic features of this variety, and should greatly facilitate the compilation of an English dictionary for Chinese learners of English who operate in Chinese cultural contexts and need to refer to China-specific concepts and phenomena. This paper briefly introduces China English corpora in terms of their principles, components and current status, and explores their potential application to lexicographical projects in terms of lemma selection and inclusion, definition extraction, and glossing and labeling systems.
Published
2016-11-17
How to Cite
Xia, L., Xia, Y., Zhang, Y., & Nesi, H. (2016). The Corpora of China English: Implications for an EFL Dictionary for Chinese Learners of English. Lexikos, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.5788/26-1-1342
Issue
Vol. 26 (2016)
Section
Lexikonotas/Lexiconotes

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