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Licensed Unlicensed Requires Authentication Published by De Gruyter Mouton June 5, 2007

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

  • Gertrude Tinker Sachs and David C. S Li
From the journal Multilingua

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.

Published Online: 2007-06-05
Published in Print: 2007-05-23

© Walter de Gruyter

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