For Ng Ka-hsiung, a 17-year-old student at the Diocesan School for Boys, Cantonese is more than just a communication tool. It is an integral part of his identity, connecting him with his cultural roots and emotions.
A childhood encounter with a love story sparked this connection. “It was an ordinary love story, but it was special because it was written in Cantonese,” Kashon said, reflecting on how it fostered a sense of belonging.
This early experience sparked his desire to write short stories. “This story is about a boy who loves literature and strives to pursue his dreams despite all adversity,” Cashon said.
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This story has parallels to his life, which was fueled by the unwavering support of his family. “My father always supported my literary endeavors and proudly shared my works with his friends and family,” he admits, crediting his father in his own creative development. emphasized the role.
Dedicated to promoting Cantonese language and culture, Kashon launched the project “Let Youth Speak,” which became a beacon of hope and learning during the pandemic. “I wanted to do something meaningful,” he said.
He explained that this project combines his love of languages with his joy in volunteering. To date, he has had over 150 students participate, providing students with an opportunity to engage with and understand their native language.
Ka-shung’s project “Let Youth Speak” provides Hong Kong students with an opportunity to engage with and understand their native language, Cantonese.Photo: Shutterstock
One of the notable success stories of this project is that of a young boy named Jackson. Initially shy, Jackson’s transformation was remarkable.
“At the end, he made a joke by linking his name and his brother Michael with Michael Jackson so people would remember him,” Cashon said.
His linguistic talent made him the first runner-up in the Linguist (Cantonese) category at the Student of the Year Awards. This prestigious award was organized by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by Hong Kong Newspapers.
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Kashung has also excelled in speech and writing competitions, demonstrating his deep language skills and passion. These accomplishments continue to inspire him and fuel his drive to explore and advocate for linguistic diversity.
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Ka-shung’s vision for the future of Cantonese is one of vibrancy and cultural significance.
“Cantonese is not just a dialect; it is a living part of our culture,” he said.
In addition to his language endeavors, Ka-shung has ambitious plans to enter the field of law, where he considers his language skills to be a key asset. When he enters university next year, he plans to take a law course.
“Studying law is more than just a legal concept. It’s about effective communication and language interpretation. I see this as an extension of my language journey and a way to use my abilities for the good of society.” “I think this is the way to do it,” he said.
In addition to studying languages, Ka-shung also plans to enter the field of law.Photo: Shutterstock
Ka-shung is also working on a collection of essays. Combining his observations and experiences, this collection aims to capture the essence of life in Hong Kong and the unique perspective of young people.
“This anthology will include works written in both Cantonese and Mandarin. It reflects our diverse linguistic environment and celebrates our rich cultural heritage.” explained Cashon. This collection is not only a testament to his writing skills, but also a contribution to the ongoing dialogue about language, identity and culture in Hong Kong.
