Bilingualism in Hong Kong is often the product of learning English as a second language (L2) after Cantonese has been acquired as the first language (L1). Issues of code-switching (speakers alternating between two or more languages), interference (use of elements of one language while speaking or writing another) and translanguaging (with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of languages allowing learners to use the full range of their linguistic repertoire) often come up in most discussions pertaining to teaching English to bilingual learners. Yet, when confronted with these issues, many teachers express ambiguity, and anecdotal evidence suggests that language educators feel unsure about which side of the debate they are on. In this episode, Professor Stephen Matthews from the Department of Linguistics at HKU, clarifies some of our common misunderstandings and responds to certain criticisms and confusions surrounding bilingualism.

Teachers' Lift

Teachers' Lift

Episode 45: Understanding Bilingualism in Hong Kong with Stephen Mattews

MAY 20, 202230 MIN
Teachers' Lift

Episode 45: Understanding Bilingualism in Hong Kong with Stephen Mattews

MAY 20, 202230 MIN

Description

Bilingualism in Hong Kong is often the product of learning English as a second language (L2) after Cantonese has been acquired as the first language (L1). Issues of code-switching (speakers alternating between two or more languages), interference (use of elements of one language while speaking or writing another) and translanguaging (with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of languages allowing learners to use the full range of their linguistic repertoire) often come up in most discussions pertaining to teaching English to bilingual learners. Yet, when confronted with these issues, many teachers express ambiguity, and anecdotal evidence suggests that language educators feel unsure about which side of the debate they are on. In this episode, Professor Stephen Matthews from the Department of Linguistics at HKU, clarifies some of our common misunderstandings and responds to certain criticisms and confusions surrounding bilingualism.