Page 57 - Words

People Lai Nok Yin, Promise 4E (2016-2017)

I think Chinglish is an important part of what makes me a
Hongkonger. As Hong Kong was a British colony before and today is part
of China, English and Cantonese combine together to form Chinglish.
Chinglish is an important symbol of Hong Kong as Chinglish can only be
found in Hong Kong. Hongkongers usually use Chinglish when texting
friends and talking to them face-to-face. Hongkongers often pronounce
many English words incorrectly, but a true Hongkonger can understand
the meaning. Chinglish gives us a sense of belonging.

Other than Chinglish, I think the busy lifestyle is an important factor
too. As Hong Kong is a key financial centre with a lot of economic activities
every day, Hongkongers need to work diligently to keep our status. There's
no time for Hongkongers to stop. They even have to work while eating.
They walk swiftly and sleep for only a few hours per day. There's no
time for them to waste. This busy life is what makes Hong Kong such a
successful city. It is also a significant criterion for being a Hongkonger. I
think Hongkongers are the world champions of living a busy life.

These two criteria are what make a true Hongkonger. I think stopping
work is very uncomfortable for us and without knowing any Chinglish one
would be quite lost. However, being a Hongkonger doesn’t mean you have
to be born in this city. I think that if a person living in Hong Kong is very
busy and knows Chinglish, he or she is considered a Hongkonger. This
openness towards foreigners is why I am proud of my city.

With Pride, We Stride 57