What is code-mixing?

Code-mixing is basically the academic term that refers to the insertion of foreign words into one's mother-tongue conversation. Below is an example of English usage in Hong Kong Cantonese:

“仔仔，快D叫聲Auntie啦！”

(Translation: Son, call her 'Auntie' quickly!)

While the word 'Auntie' in native English refers to one's aunt or father's sister, the usage of 'Auntie' in Hong Kong Cantonese is used to address a middle-aged lady who is not related or even a complete stranger! Below is another example:

"Go to Park'n shop and collect skin!"

(Translation: Go trip on the street and shut the f*** up!)

While the medium is entirely in English this time, it is considered mix-code because the English words are not meaningful unless they are used in a context where Cantonese is spoken. As a result, code-mixing can cause confusion to people who are not bilingual or are new to the language culture of Hong Kong.

Whether you're a Hong Konger who wants to support this language or a foreigner who is still trying to understand this Cantonese-English mixed language, you can contribute by suggesting your own definitions!