Studying Mandarin Chinese in HK

[Anonymous]

Considering the current situation with the pandemic + protests, how crazy do you think it is to come to Hong Kong to study Mandarin? (I rly wanna master my Chinese but China is closed)

I know that Hong Kong has never been a popular place to learn Mandarin, and the locals don’t speak it well, BUT it is literally the only part of China (no politics here, I am just referring to the region), which is still possible to enter as a foreigner if you do not have permanent residence. HK immigration is still issuing student visas, while mainland and Taiwan don’t even make any vague promises about openning. I have been to HK several times and locals seemed pretty friendly when I was trying to practice my Mandarin with them. However since my Chinese is pretty average (I was studying in Shanghai for half of a year before before the pandemic) + recent political situation and the fact that I am white, so I guess locals would still prefer to use eng or canto.

Anyways, how is the situation in the city? how do locals react if you address them in Mandarin? Is it possible to have enough practice? Are there any mainlanders left or all flee back to China? or locals actually would be happy to practise Mandarin with me just for fun, like they do in China/Taiwan?

Hope someone living in HK could advice me with this.

[Gary WeissParticipant]

I have always believed that, in principle, it cannot be better than learning a language among native speakers

[chriszzbParticipant]

Due to the pandemic, it is difficult to travel at this time.

I think the best way to learn a language is to have as many chances as possible to talk to native speakers, either face to face or via the Internet. 

My family and I would be happy to be your friend and help you learn Chinese. My name is Zhao, and I have an English name: Christopher

I learned English as my major at a top-class university in Xi’an and I have been a professional English translator for 20 years. I’m in my forties and live in Guangzhou City. If you’re interested, you can add me as your friend on:

Skype: chriszzb

Facebook: christopher.zhao.35

Whatsapp: +86.13728080246

[RonHClemonsParticipant]

 it cannot be better than learning a language among native speakers

[Author]

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