Von Singapur-Aktien und blauen Zähnen – Zur Klassifikation und dauerhaften Integration von Lehnwörtern im Chinesischen

Abstract

This article investigates several aspects of lexical borrowing in contemporary Chinese with particular focus on the surge of loanwords originating fromn English since the 1980s. After situating loanwords in the larger context of language change and language contact, the article gives a systematic overview of the dynamic processes involved in lexical borrowing which are activated and influenced by structural, psycho- and sociolinguistic factors. Taking into account the subtle particularities of borrowing strategies in Chinese, I present an innovative loanword classification. Finally, I analyze why certain loanwords become a permanent part of the Chinese lexicon whereas others disappear in the long term.