[ricktea]

In Hong Kong do they speak Cantonese or Mandarin ?
or Both, which is more predominant ? I really would
love to learn chinese, I just bought the "Instant Immersion
Chinese" software, is this any good ? If a person like
myself wanted to really learn chinese what is the best
way to go about it to learn as quickly as possible.
What Techniques have people found most helpful.
Thanks ! rick

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by ricktea

In Hong Kong do they speak Cantonese or Mandarin ?
or Both, which is more predominant ? I really would
love to learn chinese, I just bought the "Instant Immersion
Chinese" software, is this any good ? If a person like
myself wanted to really learn chinese what is the best
way to go about it to learn as quickly as possible.
What Techniques have people found most helpful.
Thanks ! rick

Majority speak Cantonese. Though some people speak Mandarin they would also know English and so even if you tried to speak to them in either mandarin or cantonese, unless your skill is exceptionally fluent, they would speak back to you in English.

Some people can understand Mandarin but not speak it fluently, however, majority won't know Mandarin at all or speak it poorly.

The best way to learn Cantonese is by taking a class and have access to someone to correct your tones. The problem with software or audio tapes is that you don't have feedback on how you produce the sounds out of your mouth.

I would learn Cantonese. My social circle practically knows zero mandarin and kind of racist to those that don't speak Cantonese.

I read a study conducted last year saying that only 9% speak Mandarin.

[Vivian Lam]

Hi Ricktea,

If you want to learn Chinese, you better take a course cos' this formal training can help you get the basic skill and understanding on Chinese in a short time. This is a website (www.mandarin.com.hk) of a mandarin school which provides lessons for expatriates! You may contact Ms. Karen at 2805-2009 or karen.choi@putonghua.com for more information!

While you're learning mandarin, you should find some chances to apply it in daily life. The best way is using mandarin in your workplace or social intercourse! If you wanna find someone for practising either Cantonese or Mandarin, I'd like to be the one! We can do language exchange for Mandarin/Cantonese and English! (I wanna practise English~ )

regards,
Vivian

[sky2000]

Where are you come from? I think there is a bit different from which country.

[Sleuth]

Originally Posted by Vivian Lam

While you're learning mandarin, you should find some chances to apply it in daily life. The best way is using mandarin in your workplace or social intercourse!

Vivian,

A quick (American) English tip--stay away from the word "intercourse". I am not sure if it has the same meaning in British or HK English, but what you said in American English suggests you might want to be more than friends. Especially when you use a "s" word in front of "intercourse" (I read it twice because of that). Use "social interactions" or "social situations" instead.
Yes, I know--mind in the gutter. But that happens a lot in social situations.