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Decoding the Lingua Franca of Hong Kong: A Deep Dive into the Languages Spoken
Hong Kong, a vibrant hub of East meets West, boasts a linguistic landscape as dynamic and multifaceted as its culture. Beyond the glitz and glamour, lies a fascinating story of language evolution, influenced by centuries of trade, migration, and colonial history. This comprehensive guide unravels the complexities of the languages spoken in Hong Kong, exploring their prevalence, historical significance, and impact on daily life. We'll delve into the official languages, the dominant dialects, and the emerging linguistic trends shaping Hong Kong's communicative identity. Get ready to navigate the intricate world of Hong Kong's tongues!
The Official Languages: Cantonese and English
Hong Kong's official languages, Cantonese and English, reflect its unique historical trajectory. While Cantonese reigns supreme in everyday conversations, English maintains a significant role in business, education, and government.
Cantonese: Far more than just a dialect, Cantonese is a vibrant and distinct language belonging to the Sinitic branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. It's the lingua franca of Hong Kong, spoken fluently by the vast majority of the population. Its tonal nature, with its six main tones (plus a neutral tone), adds to its complexity and musicality. Understanding Cantonese is key to truly experiencing Hong Kong's culture, from bustling street markets to intimate family gatherings. While standard Mandarin is promoted in education, Cantonese remains deeply ingrained in the local identity.
English: The legacy of British colonial rule is deeply interwoven with the prominence of English in Hong Kong. While not as widely spoken as Cantonese in everyday life, English serves as a vital bridge for international communication, particularly in business, tourism, and higher education. Many Hong Kong residents are bilingual or even multilingual, demonstrating a remarkable proficiency in both Cantonese and English. This bilingual proficiency is a significant advantage in Hong Kong's globally connected economy. The level of English proficiency, however, varies considerably across different age groups and social strata.
Beyond the Official Languages: Other Languages Spoken in Hong Kong
While Cantonese and English dominate, Hong Kong's linguistic diversity extends far beyond these two official languages. A significant number of residents speak other languages, reflecting the city's multicultural makeup.
Mandarin: With increasing integration with mainland China, Mandarin's presence in Hong Kong has grown significantly. It is increasingly taught in schools and used in government and business contexts. While not as prevalent as Cantonese in daily life, its importance is undeniable in the broader context of China's influence.
Putonghua: This is the standard Mandarin language, increasingly used in official settings and media. Its adoption is driven by government policies promoting national unity and facilitating communication with mainland China.
Other Chinese Dialects: While Cantonese is dominant, remnants of other Chinese dialects spoken by earlier immigrant communities can still be found within specific communities. These dialects, although less prevalent, contribute to Hong Kong's rich linguistic tapestry.
Immigrant Languages: Hong Kong’s immigrant population brings with it a diverse array of languages, including various South Asian languages (like Hindi, Urdu, and Nepali), Southeast Asian languages (like Filipino and Vietnamese), and languages from other parts of the world. These languages often thrive within specific ethnic enclaves, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Hong Kong.
Sign Language: Hong Kong also has a vibrant deaf community, using Hong Kong Sign Language (HK Sign Language) for communication. This language, unique to Hong Kong, highlights the broader linguistic diversity within the city's population.
The Evolution of Language in Hong Kong: A Historical Perspective
Understanding the current linguistic landscape requires a look back at Hong Kong's history. The city's linguistic evolution is a fascinating narrative interwoven with its political and social transformations.
The arrival of Cantonese-speaking populations shaped the linguistic foundations of Hong Kong. The subsequent British colonial period introduced English, establishing it as an official language alongside Cantonese. The handover to China in 1997 brought about a renewed focus on Mandarin, resulting in a gradual increase in its usage and prominence. This ongoing linguistic evolution reflects Hong Kong's dynamic relationship between its local identity and its connection to mainland China.
The Future of Languages in Hong Kong: Trends and Predictions
The linguistic future of Hong Kong remains a subject of debate and ongoing evolution. While Cantonese continues its reign as the language of daily life, the increased prominence of Mandarin, driven by closer ties with mainland China, is undeniable. The continued use of English, especially in professional and international contexts, is also likely to persist. The interplay of these three languages will undoubtedly shape Hong Kong's linguistic landscape for years to come. The growth of multilingualism, where individuals become fluent in multiple languages, also appears to be a positive trend.
Conclusion: Embracing Hong Kong's Linguistic Diversity
Hong Kong's linguistic landscape is a vibrant testament to its rich history and multicultural society. The coexistence of Cantonese, English, and Mandarin, along with the many other languages spoken within its borders, creates a dynamic and fascinating linguistic environment. Understanding these languages, even at a basic level, enriches the experience of visiting or living in Hong Kong, allowing for deeper engagement with its culture and people.
Article Outline: Languages Spoken in Hong Kong
I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview of the topic.
II. Official Languages: A detailed discussion of Cantonese and English, their historical significance, and their current usage.
III. Beyond the Official Languages: Exploring other languages spoken in Hong Kong, including Mandarin, other Chinese dialects, immigrant languages, and sign language.
IV. Historical Perspective: Examining the evolution of languages in Hong Kong, from its early days to the present.
V. Future Trends: Discussing the predicted future of languages in Hong Kong, considering the influence of mainland China and globalization.
VI. Conclusion: Summarizing the key points and emphasizing the importance of understanding Hong Kong's linguistic diversity.
Detailed Explanation of Each Point in the Outline:
This section would reiterate and expand upon the content already provided above, providing a more in-depth analysis of each point outlined. For example, the "Historical Perspective" section could explore specific historical events and their impact on language usage, citing relevant historical sources. The "Future Trends" section could discuss potential scenarios for language use, based on current socio-political dynamics.
FAQs
1. Is Cantonese difficult to learn? Cantonese is considered a relatively difficult language for native English speakers to learn due to its tonal nature and complex grammar.
2. What is the role of English in Hong Kong's society? English plays a vital role in business, education, and international communication.
3. Is Mandarin replacing Cantonese in Hong Kong? While Mandarin's presence is growing, Cantonese remains dominant in everyday life.
4. How many languages are spoken in Hong Kong? Numerous languages are spoken, with Cantonese and English being the official languages.
5. Where can I learn Cantonese in Hong Kong? Many language schools and universities offer Cantonese courses.
6. What is the significance of Hong Kong Sign Language? It's a vital communication tool for the deaf community.
7. How does the government promote language learning in Hong Kong? The government implements various policies to promote the learning of Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.
8. Are there any language barriers for tourists in Hong Kong? While English signage is common, knowing some basic Cantonese can enhance your experience.
9. What are the social implications of language use in Hong Kong? Language use reflects cultural identity and social status.
Related Articles
1. Cantonese Phrases for Travelers: Essential Cantonese phrases for tourists visiting Hong Kong.
2. Learning Cantonese: A Beginner's Guide: A step-by-step guide to learning basic Cantonese.
3. The History of English in Hong Kong: A detailed exploration of English's role in Hong Kong's history.
4. Mandarin's Growing Influence in Hong Kong: An analysis of Mandarin's increasing prevalence.
5. Multilingualism in Hong Kong: A Sociolinguistic Study: A research-based article on multilingualism.
6. Hong Kong Sign Language: Culture and Community: An article on the culture and community surrounding HK Sign Language.
7. Language Policy in Hong Kong: Past, Present, and Future: An examination of Hong Kong's language policies.
8. Comparing Cantonese and Mandarin: Key Differences: A comparative study of the two languages.
9. The Impact of Globalization on Hong Kong's Languages: An analysis of how globalization affects language use in Hong Kong.
| language spoken in hong kong: Language in Hong Kong at Century's End Martha C. Pennington, 1998-01-01 This volume offers a view of the linguistic situation in Hong Kong in the final years of the twentieth century, as it enters the post-colonial era. In the chapters of this book, scholars from Hong Kong and around the world present a contemporary profile of Chinese, English, and other languages in dynamic interaction in this major international economic centre. Authors survey usage of different languages and attitudes towards them among students, teachers, and the general population based on census data, newpapers, language diaries, interviews, and questionnaires. They address issues of code-mixing, the shift from English-medium to Chinese-medium education, the place of Putonghua in the local language mix, and the language of minority groups such as Hong Kong Indians.This wide-ranging group of original studies provides a social and historical perspective from which to consider developments in language among the past, present, and future populations of Hong Kong. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Cantonese: Since the 19th Century Hung-nin Samuel Cheung, ONE OF THE MOST SPOKEN DIALECTS in China, Southeast Asia, and globally, Cantonese was nevertheless deemed a local dialect enjoying little prestige among the intellectuals. Not much was recorded in official documents or gazetteers about the early history of Hong Kong. The Cantonese language and its origin remained much of a mystery until the mid-20th century when scholars started to accord it with increasing attention. Thanks to dedicated efforts of early missionaries, pedagogues, and linguists, we can now trace back the evolution of modern Cantonese since the 19th century— how differences in sounds, words, and grammar distinguish the old from contemporary speech today. In this book, Hung-nin Samuel Cheung, an acclaimed scholar on the study of Cantonese, offers profound insights to various firsthand century-old materials including language manuals, Bible translations, and maps of Hong Kong, with findings that will be useful for ongoing efforts to study the development of the Cantonese language that has gone through many rounds of incredible and, at times, dramatic changes during the last two hundred years. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Hong Kong English Jane Setter, 2010-08-31 This volume provides an overview of all aspects of Hong Kong English in a style designed for undergraduates and general readers. As a former British colony, Hong Kong used English as the language of government, law and education in the early days of colonial rule. Since the Handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997, it is no longer used as the primary language of government. However, the status of English has survived the decline of colonial rule, as English has become an international language which is indispensable for a service-oriented economy such as present-day Hong Kong. Its use is still widespread in legal contexts, and English is the medium of instruction in at least a quarter of secondary schools. Outwith the realm of education, English is important as a means of international communication in the fields of banking and finance, business, and in the tourism and hospitality industry. English is therefore integrated into Hong Kong life in various ways and this has resulted in a thriving and developing variety of English. This book describes English in Hong Kong as a linguistic phenomenon from the point of view of language structure, but also takes into account historical, socio-cultural and socio-political developments. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Cantonese as a Second Language John C. Wakefield, 2019-04-09 Cantonese is a language from southern China that is spoken by roughly 70 million people worldwide. It is the language of Hong Kong cinema and has traditionally been the most prominent language spoken in Chinatowns around the world. People choose to learn Cantonese for a variety of social and economic reasons: because it is a heritage language that one’s relatives speak; because it is the language of one’s partner and monolingual in-laws; because it is necessary for living and working in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, or other Cantonese-speaking communities; because it is the bridge to fully appreciating and understanding Cantonese culture; or simply because it is an irresistible challenge. Whatever the motivation, more and more people are choosing to learn Cantonese as an additional language. This book discusses many issues related to both acquiring and teaching Cantonese. If you are a learner of Cantonese, this long overdue volume is essential to understanding both the grammatical and the social issues involved with learning this notoriously difficult language. If you are a teacher, this book will be invaluable to gaining insight into your students’ motivations and needs. And finally, if you are an applied linguist, the unique aspects related to the acquisition of Cantonese offer a fascinating contribution to the literature. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Cantonese as Written Language Don Snow, 2004-10-01 Cantonese is the only dialect of Chinese which has developed a widely known and used written form. It has played a role in publishing in the Guangdong region since the late Ming dynasty when various types of verses using Cantonese were published as mu yu shu (‘wooden fish books’). In the early twentieth century these dialect texts were joined by Cantonese opera scripts, published as popular reading material. However, it was only after the end of the Second World War that written Cantonese came to be widely used in popular newspapers and magazines, advertising, and in the private communications. Cantonese as Written Language examines this development in the broader context of diglossia, and also of the patterns by which spoken vernaculars have developed written forms in other societies. Based on primary source research, including interviews with publishers and writers who played an important role in the growth of written Cantonese, the author argues that this move of Cantonese into the realm of written language is closely associated with Hong Kong's distinct local culture and identity. The growth of the written vernacular also reflects the territory's evolving cultural distinctiveness from mainland China, first as a British colony, and now as a Special Administrative Region of China. |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Chinese Language John DeFrancis, 1986-03-01 DeFrancis's book is first rate. It entertains. It teaches. It demystifies. It counteracts popular ignorance as well as sophisticated (cocktail party) ignorance. Who could ask for anything more? There is no other book like it. ... It is one of a kind, a first, and I would not only buy it but I would recommend it to friends and colleagues, many of whom are visiting China now and are adding 'two-week-expert' ignorance to the two kinds that existed before. This is a book for everyone. --Joshua A. Fishman, research professor of social sciences, Yeshiva University, New York Professor De Francis has produced a work of great effectiveness that should appeal to a wide-ranging audience. It is at once instructive and entertaining. While being delighted by the flair of his novel approach, the reader will also be led to ponder on some of the most fundamental problems concerning the relations between written languages and spoken languages. Specifically, he will be served a variety of information on the languages of East Asia, not as dry pedantic facts, but as appealing tidbits that whet the intellectual appetite. The expert will find much to reflect on in this book, for Professor DeFrancis takes nothing for granted. --William S.Y. Wang, professor of linguistics, University of California at Berkeley |
| language spoken in hong kong: Hong Kong English Kingsley Bolton, 2002-09-01 The dominant view of many linguists and educators has been that Hong Kong English is a variety of the language that is derived from, and dependent on, the metropolitan norm of British English. It has been argued that English in Hong Kong was never 'nativized' as in other Asian societies, and that it has not deserved the recognition accorded to other varieties of Asian English. The contributions to this book challenge that view in a number of ways. In addressing sociolinguistic, structural, and literary issues, they provide an up-to-date survey of current use of Hong Kong English, and redress the question of its autonomy in terms of both distinctive linguistic features and the growing literary creativity of the variety. An original and highly informed discussion on the futures for Hong Kong English, and chapters providing additional resources for the study of the variety, are also included. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Trilingual Education in Hong Kong Primary Schools Lixun Wang, Andy Kirkpatrick, 2019-02-26 This book focuses on Hong Kong as a multilingual society. It investigates how trilingual education is implemented in Hong Kong primary schools. Based on a large scale survey of 155 Hong Kong schools and in-depth case studies in 3 selected schools, the book gives an overview of trilingual education in Hong Kong primary schools, revealing the views on trilingual education of all stakeholders: school principals, panel chairs, subject teachers, students, and parents. The research findings presented in this book suggest that the implementation of trilingual education varies significantly from school to school, as does the effectiveness of the trilingual education models used. It shows how students’ views towards the use of different media of instruction (MoIs) also vary, and how their mother-tongue backgrounds affect their perceptions. By documenting views, policies and implementation methods, the book provides insight into the practice of trilingual education in Hong Kong and offers suggestions on potentially effective implementation methods. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Multilingual Hong Kong: Languages, Literacies and Identities David C.S. Li, 2017-01-12 This volume gives an up-to-date account of the language situation and social context in multilingual Hong Kong. After an in-depth, interpretive analysis of various language contact phenomena, it shows why it is such a tall order for Hongkongers to live up to the Special Administrative Region government’s language policy goalpost, ‘biliteracy and trilingualism’. A detailed contrastive analysis between Cantonese and (a) English, (b) Modern Written Chinese, and (c) Putonghua helps explain the nature of the linguistic and acquisitional challenges involved. Economic forces and sociopolitical realities helped shape the ‘mother tongue education’ or ‘dual MoI streaming’ policy since September 1998. The book provides a critical review of the significant milestones and key policy documents from the early 1990s, and outlines the concerns of stakeholders at the receiving end. Another MoI debate concerns the feasibility and desirability of teaching Chinese in Putonghua (TCP). Based on a critical review of the TCP literature and recent psycholinguistic and neuroscience research, the language-in-education policy implications are discussed, followed by a few recommendations. Hongkongers of South Asian descent saw their life chances curtailed as a result of the post-1997 changes in the language requirements for gaining access to civil service positions and higher education. Based on a study of 15 South Asian undergraduate students’ prior language learning experiences, recommendations are made to help redress that social inequity problem. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Speak Not James Griffiths, 2021-10-21 A New Yorker Best Book of 2022 A Globe & Mail Book of the Year A stimulating work on the politics of language. LA Review of Books As globalisation continues languages are disappearing faster than ever, leaving our planet's linguistic diversity leaping towards extinction. The science of how languages are acquired is becoming more advanced and the internet is bringing us new ways of teaching the next generation, however it is increasingly challenging for minority languages to survive in the face of a handful of hegemonic 'super-tongues'. In Speak Not, James Griffiths reports from the frontlines of the battle to preserve minority languages, from his native Wales, Hawaii and indigenous American nations, to southern China and Hong Kong. He explores the revival of the Welsh language as a blueprint for how to ensure new generations are not robbed of their linguistic heritage, outlines how loss of indigenous languages is the direct result of colonialism and globalisation and examines how technology is both hindering and aiding the fight to prevent linguistic extinction. Introducing readers to compelling characters and examining how indigenous communities are fighting for their languages, Griffiths ultimately explores how languages hang on, what happens when they don't, and how indigenous tongues can be preserved and brought back from the brink. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Vocabulary of the Canton Dialect Robert Morrison, 1828 |
| language spoken in hong kong: ABC Cantonese-English Comprehensive Dictionary Robert S. Bauer, 2020 Cantonese is spoken by an estimated 73 million people worldwide. It remains hugely influential and a source of great pride--especially for its speakers in Hong Kong, where it flourishes as the predominant language and so sets Hong Kong apart linguistically from all of mainland China. The first and most authoritative reference of its kind to be published in the last forty years, ABC Cantonese-English Comprehensive Dictionary comprises about 15,000 lexical entries that are unique to the colloquial Cantonese language as it is spoken and written in Hong Kong today. Author Robert S. Bauer, a renowned lexicographer and authority on Cantonese, has utilized language documentation resources to the fullest extent by gathering material firsthand from dictionaries, glossaries, and grammars; newspapers and magazines; government records; cartoons and comic books; film and television; websites; and native speakers striding the sidewalks of Hong Kong to capture concretely contemporary Cantonese. In addition to the Introduction, which presents an exhaustive description and analysis of Hong Kong Cantonese, this dictionary's special features include: alphabetical ordering of the lexical entries by their Jyut Ping romanized Cantonese pronunciations; parts of speech; cross-referencing with semantically related lexical items; variant pronunciations and written forms in Chinese characters and English letters; explanatory notes on social status and usage (literal, figurative, slang, jargon, humorous, obscene, obsolete, etc.); information on sociocultural, historical, and political aspects; and example sentences showing lexical usage in the context of spoken Cantonese. |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Oxford Handbook of Chinese Linguistics William S.-Y. Wang, Chaofen Sun, 2015 The Oxford Handbook of Chinese Linguistics offers a broad and comprehensive coverage of the entire field from a multi-disciplinary perspective. All chapters are contributed by leading scholars in their respective areas. This Handbook contains eight sections: history, languages and dialects, language contact, morphology, syntax, phonetics and phonology, socio-cultural aspects and neuro-psychological aspects. It provides not only a diachronic view of how languages evolve, but also a synchronic view of how languages in contact enrich each other by borrowing new words, calquing loan translation and even developing new syntactic structures. It also accompanies traditional linguistic studies of grammar and phonology with empirical evidence from psychology and neurocognitive sciences. In addition to research on the Chinese language and its major dialect groups, this handbook covers studies on sign languages and non-Chinese languages, such as the Austronesian languages spoken in Taiwan. |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Oxford Handbook of Language Policy and Planning James W. Tollefson, Miguel Pérez-Milans, 2018-05-07 This Handbook provides a state-of-the-art account of research in language policy and planning (LPP). Through a critical examination of LPP, the Handbook offers new direction for a field in theoretical and methodological turmoil as a result of the socio-economic, institutional, and discursive processes of change taking place under the conditions of Late Modernity. Late Modernity refers to the widespread processes of late capitalism leading to the selective privatization of services (including education), the information revolution associated with rapidly changing statuses and functions of languages, the weakening of the institutions of nation-states (along with the strengthening of non-state actors), and the fragmentation of overlapping and competing identities associated with new complexities of language-identity relations and new forms of multilingual language use. As an academic discipline in the social sciences, LPP is fraught with tensions between these processes of change and the still-powerful ideological framework of modern nationalism. It is an exciting and energizing time for LPP research. This Handbook propels the field forward, offering a dialogue between the two major historical trends in LPP associated with the processes of Modernity and Late Modernity: the focus on continuity behind the institutional policies of the modern nation-state, and the attention to local processes of uncertainty and instability across different settings resulting from processes of change. The Handbook takes great strides toward overcoming the long-standing division between top-down and bottom-up analysis in LPP research, setting the stage for theoretical and methodological innovation. Part I defines alternative theoretical and conceptual frameworks in LPP, emphasizing developments since the ethnographic turn, including: ethnography in LPP; historical-discursive approaches; ethics, normative theorizing, and transdisciplinary methods; and the renewed focus on socio-economic class. Part II examines LPP against the background of influential ideas about language shaped by the institutions of the nation-state, with close attention to the social position of minority languages and specific communities facing profound language policy challenges. Part III investigates the turmoil and tensions that currently characterize LPP research under conditions of Late Modernity. Finally, Part IV presents an integrative summary and directions for future LPP research. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Complete Cantonese (Learn Cantonese with Teach Yourself) Hugh Baker, Ho Pui-Kei, 2012-05-18 Is this the right course for me? This new and improved Edition of Complete Cantonese will take you effortlessly from beginner to confident speaker. Whether you are starting from scratch, or are just out of practice, Complete Cantonese will guarantee success! It is fully updated to make your language experience fun and interactive. You can still rely on the benefits of a top language teacher with years of teaching experience, but now with added learning features within the course and online. The course is structured in thematic units and the emphasis is placed on communication, so that you effortlessly progress from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations to using the phone and talking about work. This course uses the widely-accepted Yale Romanisation system and includes a helpful pronunciation guide at the beginning of the textbook. By the end of this course, you will be at Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages: can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Grammar tips Easy-to-follow building blocks to give you a clear understanding. Useful vocabulary Easy to find and learn, to build a solid foundation for speaking. Dialogues Read and listen to everyday dialogues to help you speak and understand fast. Pronunciation Don't sound like a tourist! Perfect your pronunciation before you go. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress Extend your knowledge Extra online articles at to give you a richer understanding of the culture and history of China. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it. |
| language spoken in hong kong: A Practical Chinese Grammar Hongnian Zhang, Sze-yun Liu, 1994 Fifty lessons examining both structural patterns and morphological features characteristic of Mandarin Chinese. The book describes cultural idiosyncrasies in language use as well as gives discoursal strategies for forming sustained conversations. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Bilingual Education Jim Cummins, P. Corson, 2012-12-06 This volume provides a comprehensive account of the implementation of bilingual education programs in countries throughout the world. For academics, graduate students, and policymakers, this volume clearly outlines the social and educational goals that can be achieved through bilingual education. It highlights the need to take account of the complex political context of inter-group relationships within which bilingual programs are inevitably embedded. |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Languages of the World Kenneth Katzner, Kirk Miller, 2002-09-11 This third edition of Kenneth Katzner's best-selling guide to languages is essential reading for language enthusiasts everywhere. Written with the non-specialist in mind, its user-friendly style and layout, delightful original passages, and exotic scripts, will continue to fascinate the reader. This new edition has been thoroughly revised to include more languages, more countries, and up-to-date data on populations. Features include: *information on nearly 600 languages *individual descriptions of 200 languages, with sample passages and English translations *concise notes on where each language is spoken, its history, alphabet and pronunciation *coverage of every country in the world, its main language and speaker numbers *an introduction to language families |
| language spoken in hong kong: Difference Or Disorder Ellen Kester, 2014-07-09 Accurately differentiate between errors that are related to second-language influence or are due to a communication disorder. Is your student having difficulty because they have an impairment or because they are learning a second language? Improve instructional targets for culturally and linguistically diverse students in the general education classroom as well as make gains and improve referrals for special education. The framework used in this book makes it easy for any education professional to distinguish between language differences and language disorders regardless of your own language background. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Investigating Hong Kong English Qi Zhang, 2014 This detailed case study investigates the attitudes of Hong Kong university students to eight varieties of English speech. It employs a range of direct and indirect techniques to obtain in-depth information about the students' perceptions and also discusses the pedagogical implications of the choice of linguistic model in English language teaching. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Chinese Englishes Kingsley Bolton, 2006-11-02 This book explores the history of the English language in China from the arrival of the first English-speaking traders in the early seventeenth century to the present. Kingsley Bolton brings together and examines a substantial body of historical, linguistic and sociolinguistic research on the description and analysis of English in Hong Kong and China. He uses early wordlists, satirical cartoons and data from journals and memoirs, as well as more conventional sources, to uncover the forgotten history of English in China and to show how contemporary Hong Kong English has its historical roots in Chinese pidgin English. The book also considers the varying status of English in mainland China over time, and recent developments since 1997. With its interdisciplinary perspective, the book will appeal not only to linguists, but to all those working in the fields of Asian studies and English studies, including those concerned with cultural and literary studies. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Identity and Theatre Translation in Hong Kong Shelby Kar-yan Chan, 2015-04-14 In this book, Shelby Chan examines the relationship between theatre translation and identity construction against the sociocultural background that has led to the popularity of translated theatre in Hong Kong. A statistical analysis of the development of translated theatre is presented, establishing a correlation between its popularity and major socio-political trends. When the idea of home, often assumed to be the basis for identity, becomes blurred for historical, political and sociocultural reasons, people may come to feel homeless and compelled to look for alternative means to develop the Self. In theatre translation, Hongkongers have found a source of inspiration to nurture their identity and expand their home territory. By exploring the translation strategies of various theatre practitioners in Hong Kong, the book also analyses a number of foreign plays and their stage renditions. The focus is not only on the textual and discursive transfers but also on the different ways in which the people of Hong Kong perceive their identity in the performances. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Phonological Differences in Hong Kong English Daria Poklad, 2015-11-25 Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2013 im Fachbereich Anglistik - Linguistik, Note: 1,7, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Veranstaltung: Introduction to Intercultural Communication in Post-colonial Contexts, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: The following paper deals with the phonological differences in Hong Kong English in comparison to Standard English. First I will present a general view of the language situation in Hong Kong. Then in the third chapter some of the main phonological variations existing in Hong Kong English will be presented. In a further step, I will analyze if these variations can be found in two interviews with Hong Kong-born actor Jackie Chan who has lived and worked several years in the United States and examine how they differ from Standard English, before summing up the results in the conclusion. Hong Kong came under British control as a result of the Opium Wars with China from 1839 to 1842 and from 1856 to 1860 and developed since then as a trading centre. Throughout the British colonial period from 1842 to 1997 a minority of British administrators and traders co-existed with a large majority of Chinese traders and laborers. Since most Chinese could speak Cantonese, there was no need for a lingua franca, but only for a language to use with influential foreigners (Melchers 163). Therefore the knowledge of English was spread almost entirely through the education system, which increasingly used English as a medium (ibid.). In 1997 Hong Kong was returned to Chinese sovereignty. Today, English is very widely used in the educational and legal system and for dealing with international business partners (ibid. 164). Moreover, English is becoming ‘localized’ and is used to some extend for everyday interaction among locals who all speak Cantonese (ibid.). Nevertheless, the English spoken in Hong Kong differs in regard to grammar, lexis and phonological aspects from Standard English as Received Pronunciation (RP) or General American (GA). |
| language spoken in hong kong: Teaching Creative Writing in Asia Darryl Whetter, 2021-08-26 This book examines the dynamic landscape of creative educations in Asia, exploring the intersection of post-coloniality, translation, and creative educations in one of the world’s most relevant testing grounds for STEM versus STEAM educational debates. Several essays attend to one of today’s most pressing issues in Creative Writing education, and education generally: the convergence of the former educational revolution of Creative Writing in the anglophone world with a defining aspect of the 21st-century—the shift from monolingual to multilingual writers and learners. The essays look at examples from across Asia with specific experience from India, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Taiwan. Each of the 14 writer-professor contributors has taught Creative Writing substantially in Asia, often creating and directing the first university Creative Writing programs there. This book will be of interest to anyone following global trends within creative writing and those with an interest in education and multilingualism in Asia. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Cantonese; Basic Course Foreign Service Institute (U.S.), 1970 |
| language spoken in hong kong: Controversies in Medium of Instruction Reform Shek Kam Tse, Wing Wah Ki, Mark Shiu Kee Shum, 2021-10-25 The book is an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the case of language in education reform and language policy controversies of Hong Kong over the initial two decades after 1997. It is a scholarly monograph of conscientious educators and researchers who have been active during the education reform, collaborating with different parties on school development and classroom teaching experiments. This book provides a multiple-perspective investigation into the education and language matters. Besides socio-political perspectives, this book also emphasizes the frontline educational and practical perspectives. The book explores the benefits and effective methods of mother-tongue and multi-lingual teaching that have emerged in the period. Based on the problematic experience of language purism and bifurcation in the reform, the book argues for an inclusive multilingual education policy with mother-tongue as the core. This book provides potential solutions and good practices to tackle the complex issues brought about by medium of instruction policy reforms in post-colonial times. |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Routledge International Handbook of Language Education Policy in Asia Andy Kirkpatrick, Anthony J. Liddicoat, 2019-04-17 This must-have handbook offers a comprehensive survey of the field. It reviews the language education policies of Asia, encompassing 30 countries sub-divided by regions, namely East, Southeast, South and Central Asia, and considers the extent to which these are being implemented and with what effect. The most recent iteration of language education policies of each of the countries is described and the impact and potential consequence of any change is critically considered. Each country chapter provides a historical overview of the languages in use and language education policies, examines the ideologies underpinning the language choices, and includes an account of the debates and controversies surrounding language and language education policies, before concluding with some predictions for the future. |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Alchemist Paulo Coelho, 2015-02-24 A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho. Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams. |
| language spoken in hong kong: The English Language in Hong Kong Stephen Evans, 2016-08-24 This book presents an empirically-grounded sociolinguistic history of the English language in Hong Kong in the past 170 years. Using substantial sets of diachronic and synchronic data, it traces the changing status and functions of English in relation to spoken Cantonese, Mandarin and written Chinese in the key domains of government, education and business. The author tracks the rise of English-knowing bilingualism in the city’s Chinese community and explores the evolutionary dynamics of Hong Kong English. He also speculates on the future of English in the territory, particularly after 2047 when the ‘one country, two systems’ framework established by the Sino-British Joint Declaration is dismantled. Researchers and students working in the fields of sociolinguistics, English as a global language, world Englishes, applied linguistics and English-language education will find this book provides valuable information and insights about the uses and users of English in colonial and post-colonial Hong Kong. More generally, it makes a unique contribution to the literature on the diffusion and diversification of English worldwide. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Islam in Hong Kong Paul O'Connor, 2012-09-01 More than a quarter of a million Muslims live and work in Hong Kong. Among them are descendants of families who have been in the city for generations, recent immigrants from around the world, and growing numbers of migrant workers. Islam in Hong Kong explores the lives of Muslims as ethnic and religious minorities in this unique post-colonial Chinese city. Drawing on interviews with Muslims of different origins, O’Connor builds a detailed picture of daily life through topical chapters on language, space, religious education, daily prayers, maintaining a halal diet in a Chinese environment, racism, and other subjects. Although the picture that emerges is complex and ambiguous, one striking conclusion is that Muslims in Hong Kong generally find acceptance as a community and do not consider themselves to be victimised because of their religion. |
| language spoken in hong kong: King Lear Jeffrey Kahan, 2008-04-18 Is King Lear an autonomous text, or a rewrite of the earlier and anonymous play King Leir? Should we refer to Shakespeare’s original quarto when discussing the play, the revised folio text, or the popular composite version, stitched together by Alexander Pope in 1725? What of its stage variations? When turning from page to stage, the critical view on King Lear is skewed by the fact that for almost half of the four hundred years the play has been performed, audiences preferred Naham Tate's optimistic adaptation, in which Lear and Cordelia live happily ever after. When discussing King Lear, the question of what comprises ‘the play’ is both complex and fragmentary. These issues of identity and authenticity across time and across mediums are outlined, debated, and considered critically by the contributors to this volume. Using a variety of approaches, from postcolonialism and New Historicism to psychoanalysis and gender studies, the leading international contributors to King Lear: New Critical Essays offer major new interpretations on the conception and writing, editing, and cultural productions of King Lear. This book is an up-to-date and comprehensive anthology of textual scholarship, performance research, and critical writing on one of Shakespeare's most important and perplexing tragedies. Contributors Include: R.A. Foakes, Richard Knowles, Tom Clayton, Cynthia Clegg, Edward L. Rocklin, Christy Desmet, Paul Cantor, Robert V. Young, Stanley Stewart and Jean R. Brink |
| language spoken in hong kong: Responses to 101 Questions on the Bible Raymond E. Brown, 1990 |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Rise of China vs. the Logic of Strategy Edward N. Luttwak, 2012-11-15 As the rest of the world worries about what a future might look like under Chinese supremacy, Edward Luttwak worries about China’s own future prospects. Applying the logic of strategy for which he is well known, Luttwak argues that the most populous nation on Earth—and its second largest economy—may be headed for a fall. For any country whose rising strength cannot go unnoticed, the universal logic of strategy allows only military or economic growth. But China is pursuing both goals simultaneously. Its military buildup and assertive foreign policy have already stirred up resistance among its neighbors, just three of whom—India, Japan, and Vietnam—together exceed China in population and wealth. Unless China’s leaders check their own ambitions, a host of countries, which are already forming tacit military coalitions, will start to impose economic restrictions as well. Chinese leaders will find it difficult to choose between pursuing economic prosperity and increasing China’s military strength. Such a change would be hard to explain to public opinion. Moreover, Chinese leaders would have to end their reliance on ancient strategic texts such as Sun Tzu’s Art of War. While these guides might have helped in diplomatic and military conflicts within China itself, their tactics—such as deliberately provoking crises to force negotiations—turned China’s neighbors into foes. To avoid arousing the world’s enmity further, Luttwak advises, Chinese leaders would be wise to pursue a more sustainable course of economic growth combined with increasing military and diplomatic restraint. |
| language spoken in hong kong: A Companion to the Latin Language James Clackson, 2011-07-28 A Companion to the Latin Language presents a collection of original essays from international scholars that track the development and use of the Latin language from its origins to its modern day usage. Brings together contributions from internationally renowned classicists, linguists and Latin language specialists Offers, in a single volume, a detailed account of different literary registers of the Latin language Explores the social and political contexts of Latin Includes new accounts of the Latin language in light of modern linguistic theory Supplemented with illustrations covering the development of the Latin alphabet |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Politics of English in Hong Kong JETTE G. HANSEN EDWARDS, 2020-06-30 The book examines the status of Hong Kong English in light of attitudes towards Cantonese, English, and Putonghua, providing a deeper analysis of the linguistic complexity of Hong Kong. It also presents a complex examination of language attitudes in Hong Kong by focusing not only on the what of language attitudes, but also the question of |
| language spoken in hong kong: The Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway, 2022-08-01 DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Multilingual Global Cities Siemund Peter, Jakob R. E. Leimgruber, 2022-05 This volume sets out to investigate the linguistic ecologies of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai, with chapters that combine empirical and theoretical approaches to the sociolinguistics of multilingualism. One important feature of this publication is that the five parts of the collection deal with such key issues as the historical dimension, language policies and language planning, contemporary societal multilingualism, multilingual language acquisition, and the localized Englishes of global cities. The first four sections of the volume provide a multi-levelled and finely-detailed description of multilingual diversity of three global cities, while the final section discusses postcolonial Englishes in the context of multilingual language acquisition and language contact. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Lord of the Flies William Golding, 2012-09-20 A plane crashes on a desert island and the only survivors, a group of schoolboys, assemble on the beach and wait to be rescued. By day they inhabit a land of bright fantastic birds and dark blue seas, but at night their dreams are haunted by the image of a terrifying beast. As the boys' delicate sense of order fades, so their childish dreams are transformed into something more primitive, and their behaviour starts to take on a murderous, savage significance. First published in 1954, Lord of the Flies is one of the most celebrated and widely read of modern classics. Now fully revised and updated, this educational edition includes chapter summaries, comprehension questions, discussion points, classroom activities, a biographical profile of Golding, historical context relevant to the novel and an essay on Lord of the Flies by William Golding entitled 'Fable'. Aimed at Key Stage 3 and 4 students, it also includes a section on literary theory for advanced or A-level students. The educational edition encourages original and independent thinking while guiding the student through the text - ideal for use in the classroom and at home. |
| language spoken in hong kong: Growing up with Three Languages Xiao-lei Wang, 2008-11-06 This book is based on an eleven-year observation of two children who were simultaneously exposed to three languages from birth. It tells the story of two parents from different cultural, linguistic, and ethnic-racial backgrounds who joined to raise their two children with their heritage languages outside their native countries. It also tells the children’s story and the way they negotiated three cultures and languages and developed a trilingual identity. It sheds light on how parental support contributed to the children’s simultaneous acquisition of three languages in an environment where the main input of the two heritage languages came respectively from the father and from the mother. It addresses the challenges and the unique language developmental characteristics of the two children during their trilingual acquisition process. |
| language spoken in hong kong: English Medium Instruction Ernesto Macaro,, 2018-02-19 Ernesto Macaro brings together a wealth of research on the rapidly expanding phenomenon of English Medium Instruction. Against a backdrop of theory, policy documents, and examples of practice, he weaves together research in both secondary and tertiary education, with a particular focus on the key stakeholders involved in EMI: the teachers and the students. Whilst acknowledging that the momentum of EMI is unlikely to be diminished, and identifying its potential benefits, the author raises questions about the ways it has been introduced and developed, and explores how we can arrive at a true cost–benefit analysis of its future impact. “This state-of-the-art monograph presents a wide-ranging, multi-perspectival yet coherent overview of research, policy, and practice of English Medium Instruction around the globe. It gives a thorough, in-depth, and thought-provoking treatment of an educational phenomenon that is spreading on an unprecedented scale.” Guangwei Hu, National Institute of Education, Singapore Additional online resources are available at www.oup.com/elt/teacher/emi Ernesto Macaro is Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Oxford and is the founding Director of the Centre for Research and Development on English Medium Instruction at the university. Oxford Applied Linguistics Series Advisers: Anne Burns and Diane Larsen-Freeman |
