[loki8481]

for someone to step off the plane in the HK airport and not know a lick of cantonese or manderian, how hard would it be to find an apartment, get around the city, go shopping, etc?

I'm fluent in english and have a working knowledge of the romantic languages (studied french, spanish, italian, and latin all at various points in my education career), but I don't know a lick of cantonese and don't really see any opportunities to learn before actually getting to Hong Kong.

[TOR2008]

No worries at all if you're planning a vacation. Just about everyone speaks English to various levels, even if you're venturing into non-tourist malls. People who grew up in Hong Kong are supposed to be able to read and write English, though they may have trouble speaking. I've seen my cousin's English workbook and they study grammar fairly rigorously.

I don't think Italian, or Latin will help you at all though...you're not going to be able to extract root words and perform some etymological decomposition from Chinese (although the language is described to be mostly pictorial).

I believe foreigners generally don't bother picking up the language since it's that difficult as a tonal language. People tease you when you mispronounce. Personally I believe Cantonese should be spoken right, or not at all, a bit harsh, I know. Many expat kids can do it quite perfectly though!

[KnowItAll]

Agree with what is said above.

Also, do want to add that I've been here for 15 odd years and other than names of places and a few swear words and some very basic things like good morning etc ... I don't speak any Canto.

Can get by without any problems.

[Skyhook]

Hong Kong having been a British colony up until July 1997, you'll find things which are in written form , for example, street signs, shop signs and transport locations, are in majority, listed in English and Cantonese.

As a foreigner, you won't be expected to speak Cantonese, although this is entirely up to you if you want to immerse yourself into the local culture to the depth that you can actually have a conversation.

It's always well recieved to atleast learn how to say: How are you, hello, thank you, can I have the bill please, and how much is this? There is a cantonese learning phrases section on this very website to kick you off into the right direction before you arrive. Learning numbers a huge help btw.

Hong Kong is about as intuitive to an English speaking foreigner as one could hope for, Singapore being the easiest because English is the first language there, Cantonese is the first language here, English is second and Mandarin third.

You'll be fine in this ex British colony Loki, especially considering that 5% ~10% of the population that lives here is foreign, a very large percentage of local HK people are also overseas educated, dual passport holders via the USA,UK,AUS,NZ, CA, EU etc etc etc etc.

Once you are here, the penny will drop, all your current reservations will vanish once you set foot here, its that simple.

Good luck

[cyberience]

Well, I have been here for 18 Years, From Manchester, and Got on well without Cantonese, it is respectfull though to learn some, this will help break down the barriers,
As Mr KIA says, you can get by, but the problem here is Fear of looking bad. The reason is, In the local customs, its normal to be Shy, which also doesnt help, but you should also remember, that most education in HK up to 97 was taught in English, so if somones english was bad, their education would be measured by their level of English, Bad English, Bad Education! how can you learn anything if you can not understand the Tutors?
But if you Try speaking cantonese, in a bad way, you level the playuing field, and people dont feel as bad to speakit.
A good way to get help is say M'Goy, then ask in English, takes the guard down.
for a non english country speaking English, I would say Singapore is one of the best, with Malaysia, Then the Philipines, Then Hong Kong. So feel confident.

[rocky22]

I moved here last year, living and working deep in the new territories. I felt like an alien when i first got here ppl would run away even if i tried to speak english sometimes....I have found that its great to learn more and more cantonese, it opens u up to meeting all those people who dont know english. Its great its so much fun to see the surprised look on their faces. And they are usually so happy to speak chinese with a non-chinese. Once u throw urself in the deep end u learn more and more very quickly especially those little add on words. SINK OR SWIM ppl.

[amseiko98]

Yes, in the new terretories, they 're happy to speak chinese to foreigners. In Central they'll just think you're weird ; )

[Sleuth]

I find English language skills here are inversely related to two things---distance to Central and difficulty of the question/answer (not in terms of spoken language, but in terms of will the answer be something you might not want to hear).
Also agree that Singapore is miles ahead with the language amd that a little bit of Canto effort can go a long way.

[tora-chan]

when I try to say something in cantonese, people frown and say "HUHHH!?" then reply in English. as if they are offended being treated as non English speaker.
On the other hand, some ask me if I can speak cantonese, and I say no, then they say " whattt? you are staying here for a long time and can't say anyyyything? (you are stupid or what?)"

It is easier to let them think I am stupid rather getting that "HUH??" face everytime I say something more than MhGoi.

[geo-seb]

Originally Posted by tora-chan

when I try to say something in cantonese, people frown and say "HUHHH!?" then reply in English.

Strange, I usually have the opposite experience. People frown at me before I start talking, but turn very friendly once I use (my admittedly poor) Cantonese, because they are relieved they won't have to speak any English. I don't live in an expat area though, so maybe that really makes a big difference.

To answer the question of the OP, Hong Kong's touristy areas are quite bilingual and the rest of Hong Kong is not (but you'll usually find someone who speaks some basic English).