The Ultimate Matthew Effect for Sheng

Abstract

The Matthew effect is simply the accrual of social benefits or detriments over time. This paper explores the social science term not only from a linguistic perspective but also with an ecological aspect. Sheng, like other urban vernaculars, germinated in a superb hotbed of language mixing. Speakers of different languages were forced to co-exist, and a need for an unmarked ecological corridor emerged. This article, however, is more concerned with the disadvantages faced by first language speakers. By asserting that Sheng is nothing but a game or slang, the “educated” not only hinder education of native speakers, but also deny them status as a minority community in their own country, the ultimate Matthew effect.