Filipinos in Hong Kong
Framework for analysis
(To examine the connection between language and identity, I would like to present a brief theoretical framework before entering the stage of analyzing the data. With the theories suggested by Joanna Thornborrow, language interactively builds up one’s identity under different situation.)
Who is Joanna Thornborrow?
Joanna Thornborrow examines discourse, power and ideology by introducing new perspectives on the relationship between social structures of power and interaction. She argues that if a clearer understanding of the relationship between language, discourse and social institutions is to be obtained, the linguistic processses in the negotiation of social roles and identities must be examined more closely rather than just focus on and emphasize the ideological issues.
Identity is a thing? What is identity in Sociolinguistic?
Identity is not a thing that can be identified simply by the place where we were born and brought up, by which social-economic class we belong to or by who raised us up. Indeed, according to Thomborrow, either individual or institutional group identity is built up and negotiated throughout interaction with different groups in society in different situations (2003, pp.158).
Identity is diverse and multifaceted. Switching and mixing among linguistic codes are essential and inevitable in different situations since people have to perform different roles in different groups in society. The way to talk will be different according to the audiences and situation. The change of speech style and language choice can construct one’s identity and display their affiliation or disaffiliation to a social community.
To construct one’s group identity, the use of representation and adherence to linguistics norms are important. It helps people to reveal their close relationship with certain group or the distance to a certain group. People will use languages to reveal their identities. In this way, we can investigate the relationship between language and identity by analyzing linguistic purposes and the linguistic variation employed.
In the case of Filipino domestic helpers, change of linguistic style and choice of language use will be analyzed to see how Filipino domestic helpers construct and display their identity.
What is the relationship between language and identity in Hong Kong?
Language is not merely a tool to communicate and express ideas. Choices made about languages represent and reveal one’s cultural and social identity. In the case of Hong Kong, there are a wide range of ethic groups speaking different languages that they categorize or are categorized with certain group identities. Although Hong Kong is known as a multi-languages city, the dominant language is still Cantonese and people who cannot speak fluent Cantonese will be considered as non-Hong Kong or with less local identity. We can say that language, especially Cantonese, plays a crucial roles to reveal one’s identity whether is inside or outside the local community.
For a long time, foreigners living in Hong Kong has often faced such a multitude struggles with regard to language choice and linguistic identities as well. The issues of how foreigners accommodate Cantonese, how they view their identity in Hong Kong with the languages they can speak are often discussed. In the case of Filipinos in Hong Kong, they must have sufficient language ability to be recognized as a local Hong Kong resident.
Reference:
Thornborrow, J., Thomas, L., Wareing, S., Singh, I., Peccei, S.J. (2003). Language, Society and Power : An Introduction. Lodon: Routledge.
