Commentary

The following comments have been submitted by students from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. You may also submit your comments to info@megaexplorer.net.

“Hong Kong is a very cultural city. However, not everyone speaks nor understand Cantonese. The creator of the Hong Kong code-mixing dictionary might have came up with this idea not only to recognize his unique culture and identity, but also serve as a resource tool for foreigners.”

“Knowing that a website containing all these phrases exist, I could use it to learn (by looking stuff up) and understand how the people around me express themselves in terms of humor and feeling. In that way, I do not feel “out of place” and instead, I become one of them.”

“A dictionary showcases that code-mixing is a proper language use, and our creativity and innovation in creating new expressions by blending English and Cantonese. This serves as one of our local identities. It matters because it preserves the unique culture and linguistc practice to ensure that it won’t be lost amidst political changes or globalization.”

“This dictionary doesn’t just list words; it fills that gap, turning confusion into connection and letting you lock into the full warmth of your classmates’ conversation. It’s not just a language tool – it’s a way to feel more rooted in the people around you.”

“Someone may create a dictionary of Hong Kong code-mixing to document this unique linguistic practice, which has been formed since the colonial era and is widely used in daily life. It shows that Hong Kong’s language is a blend of Cantonese and English, reflecting its unique cultural identiy as a place where Eastern and Western cultures meet. It matters because it helps preserve local culture and promotes inter-generational and cross-regional understanding.”

“I believe that this dictionary of Hong Kong code-mixing to prove that our culture here is always evolving. The way we blend Cantonese and English in every sentence shows that Hong Kong’s identity is essentially hybrid. I would say that this unique mix is what you can’t find anywhere else.”

“This dictionary feels like a bridge as it helps decode the phrases that once kept me confused, it connects me more deeply to the people in Hong Kong.”

“Cantonese is obviously our first language, but our history shapes the multilingualism landscape, making our culture even richer and more intriguing. Understanding the important role multilingualism plays in Hong Kong is vital for Hong Kongers to feel a stronger sense of belonging and clear of our identity. Personally, it makes me feel safe and at home when I hear the way people code-switch, making me more clear and proud of my identity.”

“The significance of this dictionary lies in that it showcases the key aspects of Hong Kong’s unique language landscape and protects its distinct local culture. With this dictionary, tourists can also gain a better understanding of the local culture more quickly and conveniently.”

“Creating a dictionary of Hong Kong code-mixing serves to document and preserve the blend of English and Cantonese used daily in Hong Kong, challenging negative views of this practice and validating it as a complex system. This documentation also highlights the practical reasons for code-mixing, including the influence of English-medium education. Some see creating such a dictionary as an expression of cultural pride.”

“Creating a dictionary for Hong Kong code-mixing is not merely about documentation, but more about legitimizing and justifying linguistic practice. Due to Hong Kong’s unique cultural background – as part of China’s territory yet having been under British colonial rule for a long time- it has developed a distinct culture.”

“The creation of a dictionary documenting Hong Kong Cantonese-English code-mixing is a significant sociolinguistic endeavor. It serves to systematically legitimize and preserve a pervasive yet often informal linguistic practice, elevating it from a perceived colloquialism to a subject of serious academic and cultural study.”

“I’d say Hong Kong is nearly the only place that uses code-mmixing like A LOOOOTTTT. Creating a dictionary of Hong Kong code-mixing is a verbal way to preserve this culture. Code-mixing happens every day and I kinda enjoy it, and this is a really unique way for Hong Kongers to speak. It gives me the sense of belonging while surrounded by people who speak like this as well when realizing.”

“Firstly, code-mixing method is the most commonly used language for the majority of Hong Kongers. With the society developing, this language method may be in the face of the gradual extinction and no longer as the most everyday communication way. So the dictionary of Hong Kong code-mixing can let Hong Kongers remember and preserve this precious language method. Secondly, it manifests a sense of identity affirmation. The code-mixing method is a unique language form in Hong Kong and the local residents are willing to use this language nowadays.”

“This reflects that the language as a social boundary and unifier. Code-mixing indicates that you’re a true Hong Konger. It creates a sense of community and shared experience. I think this is very significant because it contributes to global linguistics. Code-mixing dictionary is a typical type of studying the evolution of cosmopolitan, post-colonial history and multilingualism.”

“I believe someone would make a code-mixing dictionary just to preserve culture. Hong Kong code-mixing does not just make use of random English words, it comes from generations of lived history. The colonial era made English the official language temporarily, but Cantonese runs the streets and homes, so we evolved this hybrid culture. For individuals who really want to capture the essence of Hong Kong culture or wants to blend in with it, having this dictionary can really help out and teach them. Also, no proper dictionary feature Hong Kong code-mixing, but every Hong Konger gets it instantly. The dictionary, if exists, screams THIS IS VALID, THIS IS US, THIS IS HONG KONG.”

“In my opinion, this dictionary is of great importance. Language is at the core of identity, and this dictionary helps Hong Kong people view their history and culture correctly. And this mixed language has also enriched linguistics’ understanding of “linguistic diversity”. Of course, through this dictionary, it will help people from other places to better understand Hong Kong culture, get closer to it and comprehend it.”