Language Matters: Dr Lisa Lim Reveals Nuanced Story of the Word “Junk”

29 August 2016 (Monday)

28 August 2016 (Sunday) – online

Dr Lisa Lim, Associate Professor in the School of English, reveals the nuanced story of the word “junk” in her fortnightly Post Magazine column: Language Matters.

“Long before summer junk parties became trendy, the trad­itional boat – efficient, sturdy, multi-masted vessels, with fully battened sails, compartmentalised hull, stabilising lee- and centreboards, stern-mounted rudder – had been a Hong Kong icon, featured in the logo of the old Tourist Association.

It would be easy to assume, as many do, that the English word “junk” comes from Chinese – chuán in Putonghua or Southern Min chûn.

The story of the word junk is far more nuanced, though, involving two oft-overlooked actors…”

Please click on the following link for the complete article:
http://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/2008869/where-did-word-junk-come

junk
Source: SCMP

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