Investigating Hong Kong English

This case study explores Hong Kong university students' attitudes towards various English varieties, providing insights into language perception and educational implications in the region.

This comprehensive case study, Investigating Hong Kong English, delves into the attitudes of university students in Hong Kong towards eight distinct varieties of English speech. Utilizing a mix of direct and indirect methods, the study aims to gather in-depth insights into students' perceptions of these linguistic varieties. The research addresses a growing concern regarding the status of Hong Kong English among the local population and highlights the need for more focused studies within this sociolinguistic context.

Despite extensive research in sociolinguistics, there remains a significant gap in understanding how Hong Kong Chinese individuals perceive various English varieties, particularly the local non-standard variety. Previous studies have indicated that native English speakers tend to favor Standard English varieties for their status, while non-standard varieties are often valued for their solidarity. This case study aims to fill that gap by providing a detailed analysis of the attitudes held by Hong Kong university students.

Additionally, Investigating Hong Kong English discusses the pedagogical implications of these attitudes, emphasizing the importance of choosing appropriate linguistic models in English language teaching. This exploration is relevant not only for the Hong Kong population but also for other Chinese communities that may share similar linguistic dynamics. The findings contribute valuable information to the field of language education and sociolinguistics, shedding light on the complexities of language perception in a multicultural setting.