ABSTRACT
In the current trend of economic globalization, there are frequent international exchanges and cooperation between nations. As a global language, English plays an extremely important role. With the spread of English around the world, it has formed many different Englishes of strong geographic features, that is, varieties of English. Malaysian English is one of the varieties, which has its own historical background of causes, and has its own unique political, economic, and culture characteristics. This paper will research the differences between Standard English and Malaysian English on the sound, syntax and the vocabulary from Malaysia's own political, economic, cultural and historical background; clarify the role of English on their own country; after clearing the relationship between Malaysian English and World English, illustrates Malaysian English has a place in the promotion of the globalization of English and has practical significance and function.
Keywords: Malaysian English; characteristics; English globalization
Contents
1.Introduction 5
2. Background of Malaysian English 6
2.1 The History of Malaysian English 6
2.2 The Influencing Factors on Malaysian English 7
2.2.1 The Economical Factor 7
2.2.2 The Ethnic Cultural Factor 7
2.2.3 The Education and Language Policy Factor 8
3. The Characteristics of Malaysian English 10
3.1 Pronunciation 10
3.1.1 Final Consonants 10
3.1.2 Vowels 11
3.2 Syntax 12
3.2.1 Features Connected with the Verb 12
3.2.2 The Noun Phrase 14
3.2.3 Lexical Items 15
3.3 Vocabulary 16
3.3.1 The “Lah” Word 16
3.3.2 The other Words of Malaysian English 17
4. The Status and Influence of Malaysian English 18
Acknowledgements 20
References 21