An Analysis and Comparison of the Use of /l/ and /r/ Phonetic Alphabets in English Loan Words in Chinese

Abstract

There are similarities and differences of the use of /l/ and /r/ phonetic alphabets in English loan words in Chinese while analyzing and comparing with English words. English words with /r/ consonant are used with /l/ phonetic alphabet in Chinese as either initial or final consonant and also used in both initial and final positions. Moreover, English words with /-l/ or /-r/ as final consonant can be used with the /er/ vowel for the loan words in Chinese. Whereas, English words with initial /l/ remain being used with /l/ phonetic alphabet in the loan words in Chinese. However, the similarities and differences in the use of /l/ and /r/ in English loan words and the English words do not make any change in the meanings of the words. Therefore, Chinese language users should learn about the use of /l/ and /r/ phonetic alphabets in both English loan words in Chinese and English words aiming to achieve effective communication.