Brunei English

Abstract

This chapter presents the current linguistic diversity of Brunei society and discusses the history and spread of English in Brunei. Following the implementation of the Malay and English bilingual education system, most Bruneians who have completed their secondary education are now bilingual in Malay and English. In terms of language attitudes, the spread of English is a corollary of Bruneians’ enduring attachment to their variety of Malay. The chapter describes the features of spoken/written English by Bruneians, including phonology, morphosyntax, discourse, and lexis. The use of English alongside Malay in Brunei's education system is a major factor in the spread of English, especially since the resumption of full independence in 1984. The chapter outlines Brunei's language-in-education policy and its implementation. It also indicates a number of abiding dualities and uncertainties about the status and the appropriateness of identifying and labeling Brunei English as a distinct variety.

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