Conclusion

 

We discovered that there is a weak connection between the how dominant your language is and the identity recognition.

 

Even for Anju, who can use a dominant language - Japanese, will find difficulties in identity recognition. Japanese, as a popular language in Asia and Hong Kong, has been influencing Hong Kong for years. Japanese food, Japanese company, Japanese music have long been introduced to Hong Kong people. Japan becomes one of the most favourite countries of Hong Kong people. It is not hard to find similarities between Hong Kong and Tokyo. As a result, we may have a tendency to think that if we feel comfortable when we get to Japan, Japanese shall also feel comfortable when they come to Hong Kong . It is true in the case of vacation, but not for living. We found that in the end speaking the indigenous language and the exposure to the culture are the two key factors for identity recognition. In the case of Anju, if she wants to recognize herself as a Hong Konger, she shall either learn Cantonese or expose to Hong Kong culture. If she is more willing to recognize herself as a Japanese, she shall keep in touch to Japanese culture. Being in the middle of Hong Kong and Japan culture causes Anju to have identity confusion.

 

On the other hand, when we take a look at Naveed's case, Although he does not recognize himself as a Hong Konger mainly because he cannot speak Cantonese. However, because he can speak Sinhala and Tamil and his strong connection with Sri Lanka’s culture. He does not have a problem on identity recognition.

 

Both cases have similarity as well. We found that language crossing makes them have weak connection with Hong Kong people identity. Language crossing means people use their non-native language to speak with other people. This kind of code alternation involves a distinct sense of movement across social or ethnic boundaries. 1 As they have to switch to English when communicating with locals, or even try to understand Cantonese, they feel that they are not part of the Hong Kong community, in which most of the people can speak Cantonese. Therefore, they do not recognize themselves as Hong Kong people.

 

Luckily, although both of the interviewees do not speak Cantonese and take English as a second language, they agree that using English is enough to survive in Hong Kong. At least, they are still willing to stay in Hong Kong.

 

 

Footnote:

1. Ben, Rampton. "Language crossing and the problematisation of ethnicity and socialisation." Pragmatics 5, no. 4 (1995):1