Psychology professor Chen Hsuan-chih's study into the language abilities of students has been concluded using the latest technology, and demonstrates that it takes longer for a Hong Kong undergraduate to read a Chinese character than his mainland or Taiwanese counterpart. But a lot of people will take issue with the professor's conclusion that bilingualism is an obstacle to learning.
Those exposed to a second language from very early childhood are usually successful in becoming proficient in both.
If local pupils have to think an extra 20 milliseconds before they decipher calligraphy the reason may be lack of practice, rather than a diminished ability to learn. More importantly, Professor Chen's study shows their comprehension is unaffected.
Liberal Party chairman James Tien Pei-chun raises a valid point when he voices concern in Legco about the decline in English standards. Language is a sensitive subject with parents, as the row over mother-tongue teaching showed.
Since the transition, English is less conspicuous than it used to be. In Legco debates, on MTR advertisements, on television, even on household bills, bilingualism is being cut back.
One result will be that children are less likely to absorb words through being constantly exposed to the language. It should, however, help to increase the ease with which they read Chinese.