In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in global interest in learning Cantonese as a heritage language. The trend is particularly noticeable in the Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong diasporic communities in popular destinations of immigration, including Australia (Cantonese speakers: 295,292; 1.12% of total population), Canada (393,430; 1.06%), the UK (55,553; 0.08%), and the US (458,840; 0.16%).
The preservation and promotion of Cantonese has become a shared mission among many Cantonese families who want to stay connected to their cultural roots. For heritage learners – who are raised in a home where Cantonese is spoken and who, to some degree, understand and speak the language but may not have the ability to read or write it – brushing up their competency is often more than just acquiring a new skill; it is a journey of cultural rediscovery and identity affirmation.
In June 2023, I started collecting data for my dissertation on negotiations of identity, language ideology and learning trajectories of heritage learners of Cantonese in Canada. When I put out a call for participants with a Cantonese background, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It will take many months to process and write up the report, which I expect to complete in 2025.
While I continue to analyse the data, and results are still emerging, many interesting phenomena have already surfaced. Some of these principles are likely to be unfamiliar even to native Cantonese speakers and may help to improve the learning atmosphere and resources available for learners of Cantonese in the future.
Firstly, the data has revealed that the drive to learn Cantonese can be fuelled by various factors. There is a growing awareness of the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to preserve endangered languages and dialects. Heritage learners and Cantonese families across various diasporas are realising that Cantonese is less of a minority language, and is less racialised, than it may have been in the past.
Its cultural and economic values are being promoted globally, which attracts more students to take up the language both for personal and professional purposes. This has led to a renewed commitment among heritage learners to keep the language alive.
Secondly, a common “complaint” about learning Cantonese has been the lack of materials and resources, especially at or beyond the intermediate level. Now in our digital age, with the advancement of artificial intelligence revolutionising language learning, resources are far more accessible.
Numerous online platforms, apps, and social media groups are dedicated to learning and teaching Cantonese. Canto Fonts, TypeDuck, and even Google Translate offer valuable tools to help learners to use Jyutping romanisation without needing knowledge of Chinese characters, which could take years to master. These resources often incorporate cultural contexts, providing learners with a holistic understanding of the language and its authentic usage.
Educational institutions have also recognised the importance of supporting heritage language learners, with more schools and community programmes offering Cantonese courses. These courses often emphasise the cultural and historical aspects of the language, helping students to understand the rich traditions and contemporary relevance of Cantonese.
Scholars and teachers are forming networks to collaborate and share learning resources. The Linguistic Society of Hong Kong (LSHK), which created the Jyutping system, is now working with global higher institutions on academic research as well as Cantonese assessments. Another example is San Francisco-based Save Cantonese, which works mostly with schools and community programmes to preserve Cantonese culture in the diaspora of North America.
Heritage learners themselves are also often active in creating and sharing content that celebrates Cantonese culture. Podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels produced by heritage learners provide unique insights into the language and culture from the perspective of those who are rediscovering their roots. These platforms also offer valuable resources and inspiration for others on the same journey. Some popular examples include Cantonese Connection, Inspirlang, and Made With Lau.
The surge in Cantonese learning is a powerful reminder of the role that language plays in shaping our identities and connecting us to our past. As more individuals around the world embrace their heritage and commit to learning Cantonese, they contribute to a vibrant, multilingual global community.
With the support of technology, educational institutions, and community initiatives, heritage learners are making significant strides in preserving and promoting Cantonese. As this movement continues to grow, it holds the promise of a future where Cantonese remains a vital and cherished part of the global linguistic landscape.
Share your own Cantonese learning journey or useful tips in the comments of our social media posts, or send me a message at @Raymond.pai on Twitter/X.
