chinese pidgin english
Chinese Pidgin English was a modified form of English used as a trade language between British and Chinese merchants from the 17th to the 19th centuries12. It originated in the Cantonese-speaking regions of China, particularly in Canton (Guangzhou) and Macao, before spreading to other trade centers like Shanghai12.
Origins and Development
The language emerged in the 18th century to facilitate communication between English traders and Chinese merchants1. The term "pidgin" itself is believed to be derived from the Chinese pronunciation of the English word "business"12. Chinese Pidgin English began to develop after the British established their first trading post in Canton in 16992.
Characteristics and Usage
Chinese Pidgin English was lexically based on English but influenced by Chinese substrata2. It was primarily used for business purposes and sometimes served as a common language among Chinese speakers of mutually unintelligible dialects1. The language was characterized by simplified grammar and vocabulary, making it easier for both parties to communicate in trade settings.
Spread and Influence
Chinese Pidgin English spread beyond the Chinese coast to regions such as Nauru, Australia, Singapore, and Java2. It influenced the development of other Pacific pidgins and left a lasting impact on the English language. Some phrases believed to originate from Chinese Pidgin English include "long time no see," "no can do," and "chop-chop"3.
Decline
The language began to decline in the late 19th century as standard English started to be taught in China's education system2. By the mid-20th century, Chinese Pidgin English had largely died out as more Chinese people chose to learn standard English, and the pidgin became negatively associated with interactions between foreigners and their Chinese servants1.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/chinese-pidgin-english-EqxHsTs8SBSSZhUzKz7Vtg
The Birmingham Daily Post (England), 21 May 1863, Column 1, Page 6.
A CHAT ABOUT CHINA
Everybody has heard of "pigeon English" as the dialect in which our countrymen and the Chinese manage to exchange ideas. Colonel Fisher supplies an explanation of the term :—
" I believe the word 'pigeon' is originally derived from 'business,' which a Chinese would turn into 'pidgeness,' 'pidgeons,' 'pigeon.' And as all matters in China treated of between foreigners and Chinese are of a business nature, so they are all 'pigeon,' and the language made use of in conducting all business in the 'pigeon' language."
The Chinese believe that the Eaglis (English?) had, like themselves, a mandarin dialect and a vulgar tongue, the latter being that called "pigeon." This was one of old Sing-Chong's difficulties. "He used to say that though he understood us when we addressed him, he could never make out what we said to one another."
To what degree the Chinese shopkeeper had in understanding English was reflected in the inability to speak his own language:
"In respect of language, the same written character exists throughout the whole empire, but the pronunciation varies in a very great degree. The pure language, or Mandarin, is spoken commonly about Pekin; but in the provinces none but the educated are able to converse in Mandarin, and not all of them. The difference is so great as to render it almost impossible to follow what is said. Indeed, for all practical purposes, they are different languages. I have known a statement made before the Commissioners at Canton, by a man from a distance, pass through four different interpreters before it could be got into Mandarin, the dialects being so numerous and various..."
Thus, the oversimplification of "pigeness" by modern interpreters, where it appears to fluctaute between dialect and creole, may be the result of their own inability to understand even their own language; especially when it comes to the bridge created by phonetics.
ANALYSIS:
Note the phonetic similarity between "business" [bˈɪznəs] and "pigeness" [pa͡ɪd͡ʒnəs] Both words begin with a bilabial plosive consonant; the former is voiced /b/, the latter a vulgarization into a voiceless /p/. Early accounts of the origin of "pigeon" overlooks the similarity. In addition, the same occurs inside the word itself, with the voiced alveolar fricative /z/ being vulgarized into the voiced postalveolar affricate /d͡ʒ/. Apparent from the analysis was the inability of the Chinese to physiologically articulate correctly the required English word. That's only part of the difficulty. The article gives more insight that the Chinese had in understanding English: