Sinicization as glocalization in The Chinese English Dictionary

Abstract

This study explores the Chineseness on different levels as displayed in the lexicographic text of The Chinese English Dictionary (unabridged, 1st volume, 2015) (CED) and interprets it as Sinicization informed by the spirit of glocalization. Adopting the discourse approach proposed by Chen (2019) as CLDS (Critical Lexicographical Discourse Studies), it views CED as discourse and aims to examine and reveal how the dominant ideological powers within Chinese society may have borne on the dictionary's distinct Sinicizing efforts. It proposes that CED has effectively challenged the established norms of bilingual lexicography involving English in mainland China in its negotiating Chinese into sharing the status of target language with English and infusing the dictionary text with rich traditional Chinese culture. Meanwhile, CED also demonstrates strong glocalizing tendencies in its consistent 'de-ideologizing' efforts in the treatment of historic-political and cultural terms, as well as its unusual emphasis on acculturation as a translation guideline which serves well to universalize the local and vice versa.