Code choice in Hong Kong : from bilingualism to trilingualism

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

Australian Review of Applied Linguistics

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Volume

31

Issue

2

First Page

18.1

Last Page

18.17

Abstract

China resumed its sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. Since then drastic changes in this former British colony have occurred. One of these changes is a shift in language policy, from bilingualism (Cantonese and English) to trilingualism (Cantonese, English and Putonghua). The present study is aimed at investigating tertiary students’ use of Cantonese, English and Putonghua on a daily basis, analysing the roles and functions of each language and discussing how these may impact on language policy and language education. Research instruments included 52 students’ language diaries and written analyses, 51 hours of audio-recordings of verbal exchanges, and focus group semi-structured interviews. Results show that the students’ speech repertoire mainly consists of two languages: Cantonese and English and their various mixes. Cantonese is used to ensure understanding, consolidate solidarity and maintain social cohesion. The English-Cantonese mix has become a more powerful identity marker for educated people in Hong Kong than pure Cantonese. English and its supplement with Cantonese are often used in the domain of education. The majority of students seldom use Putonghua in everyday life, but there is a strong instrumental motivation to learn it. Measures are suggested to facilitate a more successful move from bilingualism to trilingualism.

DOI

10.2104/aral0818

Print ISSN

01550640

E-ISSN

18337139

Publisher Statement

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Ho, W. y. J. (2008). Code choice in Hong Kong: From bilingualism to trilingualism. Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 31(2), 18.1-18.17. doi: 10.2104/aral0818

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