English, Cantonese, French, Putonghua: What 30 years at the Hong Kong Institute of Languages has taught about polyglotism in Hong Kong
French couple who set up school say interest in learning languages is actually on the rise
While concerns about the declining standard of English in Hong Kong might be on the rise, it's not all bad news. It appears Asia's self-styled "World City" is home to a growing population of aspiring polyglots.
According to the Hong Kong Institute of Languages - which marks its 30th anniversary on Tuesday - more people are signing up to learn a foreign language.
"In the past, the few people who spoke English spoke it better. Now more people speak English, and while the fluency level may be lower, is that good? Or is it bad? It's difficult to say," said Dominique Chasset, who with her husband set up the institute and still run it today.
Her husband, Christian Chasset, said most teenagers in the city could speak Cantonese, Putonghua and English, so the proficiency level for each language may vary.
The problem, Chasset said, lay partly in the fact that English - one of the two official languages - had been sidelined by the government. "Since the example comes from the top, it doesn't give much incentive for people to practice it," he said.
Dominique said schools play a crucial role. "The schools are too exam-oriented. They don't give the opportunity to really learn the language as a language, and to evolve and practice it."