Brunei English: a Bornean variety?

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the variety of English used in Brunei and to compare it with the other varieties of the region and with other new varieties round the world. I will argue that in Brunei the variety is developing rapidly and then examine whether it has now reached the stage where we can talk about a Bruneian variety of English which can rank as an equal with the other varieties of English around the world. It must be stressed at the outset that this paper is merely an introduction to the study of a new variety; it is by no means comprehensive. Its scope is broad and is based on ongoing rather than completed research. I offer it for discussion now in the hope that this can be used as platform for further research on the Bruneian variety and that in future it can be used as a base from which researchers 'can see the direction in which the variety is going. I also feel that an examination of the variety is a necessary step in any examination of the relationship of language in the country. English to Che As English has spread across the world over the last two centuries, so different communities have adopted it and then adapted it to suit their local needs.