Code-switching in Hong Kong - Examples

Examples

Chen (2005) documents numerous instances of code mixing, where English words are used in essentially Cantonese sentences. For example:

  • "我今日要present一個project." ("I have to present a project today.")

In addition, there are instances of intersentential code-switching, where sentences of English and sentences of Cantonese occur in the same conversation. Lin (1996) offers this example (Yale transcription system for Cantonese used in original):

  • Math teacher: How about you? Oh, neih meih jouh hou hah? Chahn Gwai-hou. Laahndi-wo. Neih ne? ("Oh, you haven’t done it yet Chahn Gwai-hou. So lazy. And you?", "噢,你未做好呀? Chahn Gwai-hou. 懶D喎。你呢?")

Read more about this topic:  Code-switching In Hong Kong

Famous quotes containing the word examples:

    Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.
    Alexander Pope (1688–1744)

    In the examples that I here bring in of what I have [read], heard, done or said, I have refrained from daring to alter even the smallest and most indifferent circumstances. My conscience falsifies not an iota; for my knowledge I cannot answer.
    Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)

    It is hardly to be believed how spiritual reflections when mixed with a little physics can hold people’s attention and give them a livelier idea of God than do the often ill-applied examples of his wrath.
    —G.C. (Georg Christoph)