Language Politics in Hong Kong, 1967-1982

Abstract

In 1974 the Hong Kong government introduced the Official Languages Ordinance, which declared both Chinese and English as official languages. To many Chinese activists who had fought for an official recognition of their language, this should have been a cause for celebration. However, in less than a decade’s time many local Chinese started to criticise the colonial government again for not respecting their language. This paper examines the government’s language policies from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. It will analyse how the government responded to the Chinese Language Movement through the ordinance, and how officials broke the ordinance in their daily work. This paper aims to make several arguments. Instead of being truly benevolent, colonial rulers during this era were in fact prioritising British interests. Suppressing anti-British sentiments and prolonging colonial rule in Hong Kong were important missions of the government. Moreover, Governor Murray MacLehose’s social reforms did not really break from previous policies. Part of his reforms, including those related to language, was copying from his predecessors. Finally, the development of the Chinese Language Movement and responses from the colonial government also illustrates how international affairs, such as the Cold War and student movements, influenced Hong Kong’s development.