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English for promotional purposes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 October 2008

Anne Pierson-Smith
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Extract

CRYSTAL ball-gazing has become a favourite occupation in Hong Kong as the territory moves closer to the changeover of sovereignty on July 1, 1997. In a city where speculation fuels the money markets, second guessing about corporate futures is commonplace throughout the business community. The “what will happen in 1997?” question inevitably focuses on the post-colonial future of English in Hong Kong. English, the official language of government and commerce, is set to be replaced by Chinese as the primary language of administration according to the Basic Law, the territory's future constitution. This move has particular relevance for the territory's promotional industries, currently employing one per cent of the population in advertising and public relations (Vocational Training Council, 1996).

Type
English in Hong Kong
Information
English Today , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , July 1997 , pp. 6 - 8
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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