7/27/2019 Do People in Hong Kong Speak English

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Do People in Hong Kong Speak EnglishByRory Boland, About.com Guide

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One of the most popular questions about Hong Kong is so people in Hong Kong speak English. The answer is somewhatcomplex, and most people will be disappointed to hear that speaking English in Hong Kong is somewhat more difficultthan the city attempts to portray.

Because of Hong Kongs role as former British colony, people often arrive to Hong Kong with high expectations aboutthe level of English. In general, they will be disappointed. Hong Kongers are far from fluent in English and it certainly

isnt a second mother tongue. That said, Hong Kongers are arguably the best, aside from Singaporeans, users of English inthe Asia region.

Hong Kong is an official language in Hong Kong so all official signs and announcements are in bothCantoneseandEnglish. All government officials, including police officers and immigration officials are required to have a

communicative level of English, and, by in large they do.

In general, shop assistants, restaurant workers and hotel staff in the main tourist areas, such as Central, Wan Chai,Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui will be competent in English. Menus in restaurants in these areas will also be providedin English. Seeing as tourists are rarely outside these areas, it means English should be spoken throughout your visit.

Possible problem points include taxi drivers, who rarely speak English. They will, however, be able to contact someone atbase by radio who does speak English. Outside the areas above, expect relatively basic English, especially at smallershops and restaurants. Hong Kong pronunciation of English is also quite pronounced, and it can take a couple of days toadjust to the accents.

In general, the quality of English language learning has been declining, both because of the handover from Britain toChinaand the increasing importance of Mandarin. The government is currently trying to improve English teaching and

hopefully the effects will be felt before too long.

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