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How To Survive As A Foreign Boyfriend In Hong Kong: Be Curious
In Hong Kong, I learned a valuable lesson:
You will only realise the importance of fluency in a language when you’re placed in an environment where you can’t speak it.
You realise — by not knowing the language, you have suddenly impaired your ability to get simple, everyday things done. From ordering food, to asking for directions or conversing with people on the street, all you can do is nod politely, smile and wave.
This was my experience when I went to visit my girlfriend’s extended family in Hong Kong.
When you’re in a country where Cantonese is the modus operandi — you need to do as the locals do. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t understand the language and any attempts at conversation are stilted.
Yes, people in Hong Kong can speak English. But give them a choice between speaking Cantonese, English or Mandarin Chinese; especially amongst other locals and they will revert to Cantonese.
