English words ‘ruining’ Chinese

LON - A senior Chinese translator has warned that common use of English words in everyday Chinese is ruining the language.

Huang Youyi, chairman of the International Federation of Translators, has criticized usage of words such as okay, bye-bye, nice, modern and guitar.

“If we do not pay attention and we do not take measures to stop Chinese mingling with English, Chinese will no longer be a pure language in a couple of years,” the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

He added: “The terms DVD, MP3 and CEO are so abundant in Chinese and they are very popular. But these imported terms can cause confusion.

“In the long run, Chinese will lose its role as an independent language for communicating information and expressing human feelings.

“Some of our people think that using foreign words is a sign of being open-minded and international. I do not think so.

“Instead, we should have confidence in our own language. You cannot expect others to respect you unless you respect yourself.”

However, Gu Yuego, a researcher at the Institute of Linguistics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, does not agree to Youyi’s argument.

He said: “If we cleaned out all the borrowed words, less than half of modern Chinese will be left.

“Borrowing words from other languages is a global phenomenon. It is a positive sign of cultural exchange and assimilation. There is no way that China can close the door on this.”

China allows only 20 foreign films to be screened in cinemas each year.

Also, websites, including Youtube, Facebook and Twitter, have been banned. (ANI)