This is just speculation, but isn't it true that the younger generation has better English skills since they teach it as a 2nd language in grade school now?

If you going to HK or Macau, you don't need to know Cantonese or Mandarin. Most people there speak some English. It will possible but be extremely frustrating.  Now if you want to go to China or get to know the girls, it is best to learn some Chinese.

This is just my opinion and somebody might think differently

[ Last edited by  Weelock at 7-2-2010 13:51 ]

NO WAY!!

Older Hong Kong-ers generally have better English skills than the younger ones - as they went to school during the British colonial days and when everybody KNEW that you need English to get anywhere in life.

Fast forward to early 90's when everybody started getting enamored with the "hope and prospects" of China and the stupid education bureau started that stupid local language learning nonsense - thinking that kids will understand their teachers better if taught in Cantonese - and making English only as a third language - after Mandarin... whilst the kids just didn't bother with learning any other language - and you have the disaster you have right now in HongKong.

A LOT of younger people cannot speak English properly - or even at all.  And they're just as bad speaking their Bai-Tung-Hwa - which is what my mandarin is by the way - Bai Hwa and Putonhhua mixed all up!!

SEAJ

Thanks a lot for this thoughtful explanation SEAJ.

I used to read your posts on ISG (where I was lurking from time to time) and think you always have some valuable things to say.
I thought you were an ABC. Are you a HK guy born in HK ?

Even here in the UK....A lot of the younger generation still haven't got the grasp of the english language....

I have laughed at so many CVs...

Huh - you read me on ISG? And you haven't read what I usually reply when I get asked as to who I am?

I usually write:

".....I am SEAJ - And for those who wants to meet me, I am 25 years old, 6'2", 185 lbs, works out daily at the gym and practice tae kwon do/karate Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Thai Kick boxing Mondays and Fridays. I am blue eyed, blond and come from Sweden......"


SEAJ

Yes, that's what I hear as well.

But Seaj , what is this about your having "valuable things to say" when a member of the ISG forum?! Why the change of heart?

Oh boohoohoo... now you've hurt my feelings!!
Really hurt my feelings!!  

Shame on you, picking on a nice young guy like me.  
Boo hooo hooo

I'm gonna sulk in a corner now!

OK - next!

SEAJ

I didn't know that communist have feelings...


Ok now...Time to head back to France Seaj....

Let's be having you...

This is very true. I'm often surprised when an older person starts talkin to me in English.
And they seem to enjoy it whereas the younger ones, even if they can speak English,
they don't seem to like doing it or they don't have the confidence to speak it.

And whether in HK or PRC, someone who speaks English most likely has better options in life than prostitution.

Just remember the basics:

Wo (me)...point to yourself
Xiang (like to)
Zhuo (fuck)
Ni (you)...point to the girl/boy/shemale or whatever you prefer

usually that should get the communication across

then, ask
Duo Sao Qian (how much money)

the pimp/mama san will usually punch in the calculator or hold his/her hands up

Maybe, but you will be surprised at the number of older HK ppl who can speak decent English.  I have run into taxi drivers, restaurant workers, sex industry workers, retail staff, triad members, etc who speak quite well.  Before the 90's, the English level of most ppl was quite good.  

Nowadays because so few of the younger ones speak decent English, the ones who can really have alot of career opportunities.

Does 'zhuo' also mean 'fuck' in Mandarin - do you know the character?

The common word for fuck is 'cao' (pronounced 'tsao') 肏 - notice that cao is written as a combination of 入 (into/enter) and 肉 (meat/flesh) - the Chinese are a very earthy people.

Btw, you left out the h in 'shao', so that 'how much' is 'duo shao qian' -  where qian is pronounced 'cien'

[ Last edited by  Marsupial at 10-2-2010 15:14 ]

It's actually "Zuo" not "zhuo". It's the same word as "do" like "gong zuo" or work.

Could 'zuo' used in that way be a borrowed usage from English, as in "I really want to do her."?

that's exactly what it means when you say "wo xiang zuo ni". literally translates to "I want to do you". when they say that it's a more "loving" way like boyfriend girlfriend speak. It is shortened for "zuo ai" meaning make love. Another word you will often hear the girls speak or pimps speak is "gao" meaning "fuck". They often say "yao bu yao gao mei nu"? want to fuck a beautiful girl. "Gao" is more slang while "zuo" is not as slang. I've heard them both pretty often.

I agree that no local language is necessary at all in the HK 141 and HG scene.  For some odd reason, verbal communication works best (assuming you have no Canto) by just speaking natural english as she responds all in Canto/Mandarin, as opposed to shrugging your shoulders and clamming up or just using non-verbal hand sign communication.  It's quite a surreal experience, two people speaking at one another in two completely different languages but with the casual assumption that the other person understands them.  It's also surprising how often the point gets across in a general sense.

Conversing on the phone with a non-English speaking Papa though still is impossible, but many of those guys will respond to an English SMS/text on your phone and that's been a very easy way to schedule HG appointments.

[ Last edited by  TheButler at 11-2-2010 04:27 ]