The problems of language reforms in post-colonial Hong Kong

Klinovskiy Vladimir Aleksandrovich

The article is focused on the aims and the techniques of language planning in Hong Kong from 1997 until present times. Based on the regulations, the works of researches from Hong Kong, PRC and from abroad, the article analyses the specifics of language situation in the region and exposes the main reasons of ineffective language management. The author further speculates on how language policy influences the relations between Hong Kong & Peoples’ Republic of China. The article basically states that since 1997 the government of Hong Kong has not clearly realized how to achieve the goals of its language policy. The consequences of it were the uncertainty and inconsistence of actions and the deterioration of political relations with China.

Keywords:language policy, language planning, history of China, PRC, Hong Kong, international relations.