Code-Mixing with Vernacular Cantonese
Many linguists tend to define code-mixing in a very rigid way -- the blending of foriegn language with domestic language. Yet, Hymes took code-switching in a broader manner -- "a common term for alternate use of two or more languages, varieties of a language, or even speech styles” In this sense, even when only a single language is considered, shifts in style, register voice, whether in spoken or written form, can be classified as code-mixing. Thus, inserting Vernacular Cantonese into Chinese ads is also one type of code-mixing.
Vernacular Cantonese connects writing and speech in Hong Kong unprecedentedly. It is a fruitful ground for code-mixing. By adopting the Chinese writing system creatively, Hong Kong has developed its own special language practices.
Vernacular Cantonese connects writing and speech in Hong Kong unprecedentedly. It is a fruitful ground for code-mixing. By adopting the Chinese writing system creatively, Hong Kong has developed its own special language practices.
Motivation
Vernacular Cantonese is usually used in local ads as an attention-getter or to target a niche market rather than the broad consumer market as only local people can under the message. Individuals who cannot understand Cantonese and don't have any local experience may not be able to recognize or intepret the message.
Features
Three most commonly seen Vernacular Cantonese code-mixing:
1. Phonetic Code-Mixing
Example: "實Q" ([sat6] [kil])
Approximate pronunciation representation: English verb "secure"
Actual intended meaning: a security guard
2. Semantic Code-Mixing
Example: "豬扒" (zyu1] [paa3])
Literal meaning in Chinese: pork chop
Common expression: ugly fat girls--borrowed from the Chinese views that pigs are considered fat, dirty and ugly
3. Lexical Code-Mixing
Example: "唱K" (pcoeng3] [ka], meaning to sing karaoke)
-a verb in Chinese conjoins with English letter initial
1. Phonetic Code-Mixing
Example: "實Q" ([sat6] [kil])
Approximate pronunciation representation: English verb "secure"
Actual intended meaning: a security guard
2. Semantic Code-Mixing
Example: "豬扒" (zyu1] [paa3])
Literal meaning in Chinese: pork chop
Common expression: ugly fat girls--borrowed from the Chinese views that pigs are considered fat, dirty and ugly
3. Lexical Code-Mixing
Example: "唱K" (pcoeng3] [ka], meaning to sing karaoke)
-a verb in Chinese conjoins with English letter initial
Implication
This trend has yet to enter the mainstream advertising as it is still in development. However, youths are eager for new practices and mixing vernacular Cantonese is consistent with the current practices under social and language development.
Meanwhile, despite of the increasing emploment of stylized Chinese and vernacular written Cantonese in the popular media, they are still unacceptable in formal written occasion
(Leung, 2010)
Meanwhile, despite of the increasing emploment of stylized Chinese and vernacular written Cantonese in the popular media, they are still unacceptable in formal written occasion
(Leung, 2010)