Construction of Cross-Cultural Identity by Language Choice and Linguistic Practice: A Case-Study of Mixed Hong Kong-Mainland Identity in University Contexts

Tao Gong,Jia Liu,Lan Shuai

doi:10.4236/ojml.2013.33028

Abstract

Studying relations between language and speaker’s identity is an interdisciplinary field that involves intersections among language, culture, and society. By examining the language choice and linguistic practice, especially code-mixing and code-switching, of the Mainland China students who are studying in universities of Hong Kong, we reveal a mixed Hong Kong-Mainland identity in these students: those who hold a Mainland-oriented identity tend to have a Putonghua-dominated language choice and linguistic practice, whereas those who embrace a Hong Kong-oriented identity tend to prefer a Cantonese-dominated choice and practice. This mixed identity helps better conceive the social image of Mainland immigrants in Hong Kong and discuss the cross-cultural identity formed by linguistic practice.

Highlights

Language is the primary resource and carrier for enacting identity and membership of social groups (Tong et al, 1999; Miller, 2000)
Analyzing relations between language and speaker’s identity is insightful to decipher the intrinsic characteristics of language, culture, and society. This line of research was pioneered by the Asian-American study addressing the mixed identity triggered by interactions between the official language in the American society (English) and those used by descendants of Asian-American immigrants (Bucholtz & Hall, 2005)
We examine the language choices of these Mainland students in social settings of a university context, and two types of linguistic practice, namely code-mixing and code-switching between Putonghua and Cantonese

Summary

Introduction

Language is the primary resource and carrier for enacting identity and membership of social groups (Tong et al, 1999; Miller, 2000). Analyzing relations between language and speaker’s identity is insightful to decipher the intrinsic characteristics of language, culture, and society. This line of research was pioneered by the Asian-American study addressing the mixed identity triggered by interactions between the official language in the American society (English) and those used by descendants of Asian-American immigrants (Bucholtz & Hall, 2005).

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion