Ms. Y

Mother Tongue: Japanese

Profession: Japanese teacher

1. How long have you lived in HK?

Ans: 20 years.

2. What is your native language?

Ans: Japanese.

3. Where did you learn your native tongue? Parents, schools or ?

Ans: Everywhere in Japan. E.g. friends, school, parents.

4. When do you use this language in Hong Kong?

Ans: Work (teacher), because I teach Japanese.

5. What language do you always use in HK? Why?

Ans: English and Cantonese because it is commonly used in HK.

6. Do you speak all the languages your parents speak? Why or why not?

Ans: YES, because she need to communicate with them.

7. Do your children speak your native language? Will you let your children learn your native language? Why?

Ans: Yes and yes. Because I want to use Japanese to scold them and to communicate with them. I can better express myself through my mother tongue.

8. How would you feel if your grandchildren or future generations no longer speak your native tongue?

Ans: Sad, because I can’t use Japanese to scold them. Using Japanese to scold them will be more effective.

9. What would you say to anyone who wants to learn your native tongue?

Ans: GOOD.

10. Given the expertise and the resources, would you want to teach others your native language?

Ans: Yes, because I am teaching Japanese.

11. Do you see yourself as a HongKonger? How do you find HongKongers?

Ans: No, I'm Japanese. Love HongKongers.

12. How, in your opinion, do Hongkongers perceive your native tongue or people speaking in your native tongue? Are there any particularly impressionable experiences you can share with us?

Ans: HK people think Japanese culture is good from the popularity My children were asked by their classmates to translate some comics or instruction manuals of electronic devices, becoming a hero in the class.

13. What were the difficulties in learning English or Cantonese?

Ans: English grammar is difficult. The pronunciation and tone of Cantonese are very difficult.

14. Rate the proficiency all the languages you speak (1. conversation fluent, 2. can understand but cannot speak, 3. Know some words)

Ans: English: 1, Cantonese: 2

15. Do you speak in creole, like Chinglish (Chinese mixed with English)?

Ans: No.

16. What cultural or religious holidays do you celebrate? And how do you celebrate them?

Ans: Celebrate all holidays (including Chinese,Japanese and other international holidays, e.g. Lunar New Year). I will celebrate everything that I can celebrate.

17. What does your language mean to you?

Ans: Identity.

18. Can you share your experience with employers asking about your proficiency in English/Cantonese?

Ans: No.