Analysis and comparison of Hong Kong English and Mainland China English with Kachru’s three circles model

Abstract

English's spread worldwide has led to its development as a pluricentric language with varying standards, depicted by Braj Kachru's three concentric-circle model. Examining the differences between English usage in Hong Kong and Mainland China categorized under Outer and Expanding Circles respectively is the focus of this paper. Due to its colonial past, Hong Kong utilizes English as an official co-language for governance affairs such as law or business transactions; however, it possesses distinctive phonological, grammatical patterns influenced majorly by Cantonese. On the other hand, Mainland China sees English mainly in terms of international trade & communication requirements while prioritizing functional skills rather than native-like fluency through educational policies instead. Furthermore, the historical background variances along with socio-linguistic status reflected distinctly across linguistic characteristics highlight implications concerning tailored curricula that maintain regional identities alongside global competencies essential for both regions' education programs alike.