[adventure]

Is it better to learn some Mandarin or Cantonese for getting around in HK?

[PKH]

Cantonese, it is the native language of Hong Kong.

[KnowItAll]

One can get around without learning Mandarin or Cantonese, the questions is if one should nor should not.

[FallingStar]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

One can get around without learning Mandarin or Cantonese, the questions is if one should nor should not.

I only know english and get around just fine without any issues at all. But planing to take some Mandran class to keep my self productive. Any one want to join?

[tutor_hk]

if u only head around in HK , I would say Cantonese. Of coz Mandarin will be more global. In Hong Kong the main language used is Cantonese, chinese ppl here not speaking Mandarin, n' even Chinese they maybe not knowing how to speak the China official language, or know speaking Hong Kong style Mandarin. that's a shame actually.

Actually if u speak English n' stay in tourist / expat region, whether u know how to speak Cantonese or not , still you can servive

Originally Posted by adventure

Is it better to learn some Mandarin or Cantonese for getting around in HK?

[Max]

It's better to have a 'rudimentary' knowledge of either Cantonese (if in HK) or Mandarin (if in China) to be able to get around without major issues. Make sure you know a few basic words as they can definitely be handy, especially when you need to tell the cab driver where to go, or to get basic provisions/supplies from local stores/supermarkets, etc.....

[iSaAc_Md]

Ok, here is the thing. I am going to Hong Kong on a Mission for 2 years (I am Mormon). I have been assigned to learn the Mandarin language. I know that the official language in Hong Kong is Cantonese, so why am I going to be learning Mandarin?? Do most people speak Mandarin also???

I hope someone can shed light on how many people approximately speaks Mandarin there.

Thanks

[kombuchakid]

Mandarin while the official language, is also a northern language. We are in the south, and tend the use Cantonese . In fact while efforts have been made to teach Mandarin in school, and it is considered 'patriotic' to learn it. Most people have a tough time with it. There is also a bit of bias against Mandarin speakers, as they are immediately as non HK ers, ie tourists.

One reason you may be asked to learn Mandarin, is that you meant for bigger things up north.

[shri]

Please, lets not bring religion into the picture.

End of thread.