ARTS0002a Understanding Hong Kong Society – Hong Kong English and its Culture
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Course Code |
ARTS0002a |
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Course Title |
Understanding Hong Kong Society – Hong Kong English and its Culture(香港英語及其文化) |
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Class Date |
14, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 21 July 2026 (22 July 2026 is reserved for class make-up in case there is any cancellation of classes due to bad weather or other unexpected factors.)
(23 July 2026 is reserved for class assessment, if any.) |
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Class Time |
2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
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Teacher |
Associate Professor Department of English The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
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Medium of Instruction |
English |
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Course Description |
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Hong Kong English (HKE), the localised variety of English spoken in Hong Kong, situating it within the broader framework of World Englishes. It aims to equip students with a critical understanding of how English has evolved in postcolonial, multilingual societies, with a particular focus on the sociolinguistic, historical, and political factors that have shaped HKE. No prior knowledge of linguistics is required, and foundational concepts will be introduced as needed.
The course begins by exploring key concepts and models in World Englishes, providing students with the tools to analyse emerging varieties of English globally. It then traces the development of English in Hong Kong in relation to Cantonese and Putonghua, with attention to colonial history, language policy, and education. The second part focuses on the linguistic features of HKE-its phonology, grammar, vocabulary, discourse markers, and patterns of code-switching. In the final part, students will critically examine language ideologies, attitudes towards different English varieties, and how HKE is linked to issues of identity, gender, and social perception.
By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse HKE as a legitimate variety of English and reflect on its role in shaping language practices in Hong Kong. This course supports student learning in sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, and English language studies, and complements other courses in the programme focused on language variation, identity, and multilingualism. |
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Course |
This course helps students understand how languages are used in Hong Kong and how language is connected to society, education, identity. Students will learn how English, Cantonese, and Putonghua are used in different situations, such as at school, at home, and public life, in a bilingual and multilingual city. Week 1: Languages and Communication in Hong Kong · What languages are used in Hong Kong? · What are speech communities? · How do people choose languages in different situations? Week 2: Language Policy in Hong Kong · What is language policy? · English, Cantonese, and Putonghua in Hong Kong history · How policies affect daily language use Week 3: Language and Education (MOI & EMI) · What is Medium of Instruction (MOI)? · Why do some schools use English to teach subjects? · Benefits and challenges of EMI for students Week 4: Hong Kong English and World Englishes · English around the world: different accents and varieties · Is Hong Kong English “real” English? · History and development of Hong Kong English Week 5: Features of Hong Kong English and Language Mixing · Pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar in Hong Kong English · Code-switching and code-mixing in daily life · English and Cantonese in school, media, and online platforms Week 6: Language Attitudes, Identity, and Social Media · What is “standard” English? · Language, identity, and gender · Social media, popular culture, and Kongish |
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Learning Outcomes |
By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Identify and illustrate key sociolinguistic concepts using examples from personal experience or everyday language use. 2. Apply sociolinguistic concepts to analyse the multilingual and sociolinguistic landscape of Hong Kong. 3. Explain the cultural, social, historical, and linguistic factors shaping language use in Hong Kong. 4. Critically evaluate language attitudes and standard language ideologies in Hong Kong and across different cultural context 5. Demonstrate insight into how language attitudes and ideologies reflect broader social and cultural values. 6. Describe and exemplify distinct features of Hong Kong English in both spoken and written forms. 7. Design and conduct a small-scale research project investigating features of Hong Kong English, using appropriate linguist methods. |
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Course Assessment |
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The above course information is subject to change and approval. |
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Last updated on 20 February 2026 |