Cantonese-Portuguese Lexical Fusion: Pragmatic Insights from Cantonese-Portuguese Dictionaries

Abstract

 In the context of foreign trade during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the cultural exchanges between China and the West, the phenomenon of heterogeneous language blending gradually became evident. The unique geographical location and historical background fostered the formation and development of Cantonese-Portuguese (Cantão Portaguês), China's earliest mixed language. Cantonese-Portuguese possesses distinct pragmatic rules and laid the groundwork for the early development of Pidgin English. By examining the pragmatic rules governing the generation and circulation of Cantonese-Portuguese, we can uncover the intricacies of language contact and evolution between Chinese and foreign languages.