Cantonese as an additional language in Hong Kong: Problems and prospects

Gertrude Tinker Sachs, Chor Shing David Li

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Based on data obtained from a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews with four Caucasians and four dark-skinned Asians, this study shows that while some 'foreigners' do make an effort to learn Cantonese, many find the teaching methods not so useful and the language difficult to master, especially its tone system. The data are analyzed following the interactive multicultural model of acculturation. The findings point toward a huge chasm between non-local groups and the Cantonese-speaking community. The receptivity of Hong Kong Chinese towards attempts by members of non-local groups to speak Cantonese varies, depending on their racial identity and socioeconomic status.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-130
Number of pages36
JournalMultilingua
Volume26
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Communication
  • Linguistics and Language

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