Intonational variation in Hong Kong English

A pilot study

Bibliographic Data

ID20498641
AuthorsToni Lam (0000-0003-1505-0038, Department of English, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume19
Issue1
Pages22-43
Publication date2017-01-02
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAsian Englishes (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1348-8678 • E-ISSN: 2331-2548
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13488678.2016.1277411
OpenAlexW2575089321
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited36

Research into intonation of non-native varieties of English in the World Englishes paradigm often has a strong focus on typical features at the expense of variation. The present study employs a unified approach to analyse intonational variation in Hong Kong English (HKE), involving two distinct accents: HKE with global orientations (HKE-gl) and HKE with local orientations (HKE-lo). A closer look at HKE-lo has contributed to the revision of the existing phonological rules of HKE intonation. The study also examines how speakers of HKE style-shift between the two accents. The results show that only speakers of advanced L2 intonation aptitude (not proficiency) have access to both accents. However, the stigmatised status of HKE-lo is linked to its indexical functions. The decision-making process involves factors including polycentricity. The study of intonational variation in HKE has immense implications as speakers of HKE may employ intonational variation to perform social marking and construct identity

Indexicality · Linguistics · Sociology · Varieties of English · World Englishes · Linguistic Variation and Morphology · Multilingual Education and Policy · Phonetics and Phonology Research · Psychology

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