Abstract

English is a multinational, multicultural and multifunctional language.  As an important tool of communication, English is always in the flux.  Pidgin English, as an English variety, which appeared in the history is quite different from English we study today.  Pidgin English is a language variety and the development of it is very long, it is a communicative tool created for the communication and other purposes in business and other situation.  Therefore, in the process of development, something valuable of Pidgin English that is worth studying arises.  In this dissertation, Pidgin English, its theoretical origin, its history, its different types, its characteristics, the causes of it and some other things about it are discussed.

Key Words: Pidgin English, English varieties, Canton English

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1、Introduction-1

1.1The definition of Pidgin English-1

1.2The concept of English varieties-2

1.2.1Quirk’s division-2

1.2.2Kachru’s “Circles” theory-3

1.3The view of China English-3

2、Origin and history-4

2.1Early period-4

2.1.1 Appearance-4

2.1.2Formation-4

2.2Later period-5

2.2.1New development period-5

2.2.2Perish-6

3、Types of Pidgin English-6

3.1Jargon-7

3.2Stable Pidgin-7

3.3 Extended Pidgin-7

3.4Creole-7

4、Characteristics-8

4.1Pronunciation-8

4.2Vocabulary-9

4.3Grammar-10

5、Causes of Pidgin English-10

5.1-The trend of the economy of the world-11

5.2The political and cultural environment-11

6、Position and influence of Pidgin English-12

6.1Late Qing Dynasty-12

6.1.1Influence on Chinese language-12

6.1.2Influence on English language-13

6.2Modern China-14

7、Enlightenment to teaching-14

7.1Creativity-14

7.2Practicability-15

7.3Containing and amalgamation-15

8、Conclusion-16