People and Culture in Hong Kong

“This city of soaring towers, ancient rituals and action movies has a vibrant cultural scene born from the eclectic influences of its Chinese roots, colonial connections, and home-grown talent.”

Remember how your parents used to tell you to keep your elbows off the table during meals? Or that it’s rude to slurp your soup? Well there’s good news guys, these American cultures and customs don’t always translate to other countries! While the local people you meet won’t expect you to be fluent in their language, culture and customs, it is important to familiarize yourself with them.

Do you know how kissing, snoring and other things sound in other languages? That’s right, even sound effects can be translated!

The most important thing to remember while you’re abroad is that things will be different. But, different doesn’t mean wrong. Be open, be curious, and read more about the culture you will be stepping into. Get excited about LIVING the life you’ve only dreamt and read about until now!

Fast Facts

Names: Hong Kong

Continent: Asia
Population: approx. 7,112,688 people
Ethnic groups: 93.1% Chinese and approx. 6.9% Indonesian, Filipino, and others.
Languages: Cantonese and English (official languages); Putonghua (Mandarin) and other Chinese dialects spoken by approx. 5.4% of the pop.
Religions: 10% Christian, 90% mixture of local religions
Country code: 852
Internet Country Code: .hk

Useful phrases

Hello – neih hou – 你好
Hi (while on the phone) – wai – 喂
How are you? – Neih hou ma? – 你好嗎?
Good. And you? – Ngoh gei hou, neih ne? – 我幾好，你呢？
Thank you (for a gift) – dojeh – 多謝
Thank you (for a service) – mhgoi – 唔該
What’s your name? – Neih giu jouh matyeh meng a? – 你叫(做)乜野名呀？
My name is – Ngoh giujouh ______. – 我叫做 _____。
Where are you from? – Neih haih bindouh yahn a? – 你係邊度人呀？
I am American. – Ngo hai mei gwok jan. – 我是美國人。
I am from Hong Kong. Ngo hai hoeng gong jan. – 我是香港人。
Do you speak English? – Neih sikmhsik gong yingman a？- 你識唔識講英文呀?
Yes, a little. – Ngoh sik gong siusiu a. – 我識講小小呀。
I don’t speak Cantonese. – Ngoh mhsik gong gwongdungwa. 我唔識講廣東話。

(Some pronunciation help, and some other useful phrases.)

A few “dos and don’ts”

DON’T… give clocks, handkerchiefs, straw sandals, flowers, gifts wrapped in white, blue, or black paper, or four of anything as these are all associated with death.

DO… present gifts with two hands, bring small gifts to hostesses, remove shoes before entering a home, arrive on time, and hold the rice bowl close to your mouth when eating.

“DO speak in standard English and avoid slang when speaking to people in Hong Kong. Many people in Hong Kong are fluent in English, because English education begins in kindergarten, but to make sure you are understood it’s better to speak simply.”