Page 55 - Words

People Yau Tsz Lok, Oscar 3E (2016-2017)

Everyone has different views on the criteria for being a Hongkonger. I
also have a lot of opinions on what makes us a Hongkonger.

I think that Hongkongers should know how to speak Cantonese. He/
she doesn’t have to be fluent, but I think a Hongkonger should at least have
a basic knowledge of Cantonese. Hongkongers should also know the slangs
that everyone uses in Hong Kong, like some Chinglish terms where people
combine Cantonese and English words. Hongkongers should also have
the freedom of speech and the rights to have different political beliefs and
religions. They should also know about Hong Kong cuisine and street foods.
They don’t have to enjoy eating them, but they should know about them.
Some people may believe that Hongkongers have to like the pop culture of
Hong Kong and celebrate the traditional festivals, but I don’t think this is an
important aspect of being a Hongkonger.

I personally think that I am a true Hongkonger as I have satisfied
the criteria for being one. Firstly, I speak fluent Cantonese and I use the
Chinglish and slang terms that most people in Hong Kong use. I also really
like Hong Kong cuisine and the street foods that can’t be found anywhere
else. Apart from this, I have developed a sense of belonging living in Hong
Kong. I love Hong Kong as a society and I would never want to move away
from this beautiful city. I feel really proud to be a Hongkonger and live in
this city.

Overall, I think that we all have different criteria when judging if others
are Hongkongers or not. However, as long as you think that you are one,
then you are. It’s all very personal and we should not be judged by others.

With Pride, We Stride 55