Letters | Vulnerable families in Hong Kong simply must master Cantonese
Readers discuss the transformative power of a trilingual skill set, public awareness of the shark fin problem, and how to increase public participation in recycling
In my extensive volunteer work as a lawyer with vulnerable families across our city, I have listened to heartbreaking accounts of hardship, crowded housing, inaccessible healthcare and the desperate search for dignified work.
While their struggles are complex, I have arrived at a firm and personal conviction: the most critical barrier they face is not primarily systemic, but linguistic. And with that conviction comes a message of hope and agency.
I believe, with every fibre of my being, that mastering Cantonese is the single most transformative act of empowerment available to them. It is the master key. Every other challenge – deciphering a housing form, advocating at a clinic, understanding a job description or filing a complaint – becomes surmountable once one can communicate. I hear calls for better systemic support, and while that has its place, I see a far more immediate and decisive path: an individual or a family deciding to overcome the language barrier on their own.
This is not merely about catching up, but about gaining a superior edge. Consider the prospect: a person who masters fluent Cantonese, retains full command of their native language and speaks functional English possesses a trilingual skill set that could exceed many local peers’.
In our global yet locally rooted job market, this is not just an asset; it is a formidable competitive advantage. I have seen it elevate individuals from marginalised jobseekers to sought-after candidates. This linguistic prowess, when paired with even modest vocational training or a strong work ethic, creates a profile of exceptional value and resilience.