It has been reported that popular Hong Kong singer Eason Chan was asked by some fans during a recent concert to “speak in Mandarin (Putonghua/Beijing) instead of Cantonese,” to which he responded, “If you can’t understand, there’s nothing you can do.”
According to Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 15th (local time), Chan said in Thai and English, “I like to speak in the way and language I want” when fans shouted at him to speak in Chinese at a concert held in Macau on the 13th. said. Chan’s words erupted in cheers and applause from the audience.
Chan continued, “Rather than saying, ‘Speak in Chinese,’ wouldn’t it be better to ask, ‘How about you speak Chinese?’” he said in Cantonese. He said, “I can speak Chinese fluently, but I think it would be better if people were polite.”
Chan also said that if anyone asks him to speak English, he will respond by telling them to “shut up.” Referring to British singer David Bowie, he pointed out, “If Bowie performed here, would he ask me to speak Putonghua or Cantonese?” He then said in Cantonese, “If you don’t understand, just let it be,” before performing the next song.
Chan’s remarks spread across social media (SNS) and became a hot topic among local netizens. Some netizens said, “He is a Hong Kong singer. He defended, saying, “It is natural to use Cantonese,” and “Do not force the use of a standardized language.”
On the other hand, those who are opposed to Chan using Cantonese say, “He is a Chinese singer. He responded, “He must not be mistaken.”
The reason why Chan’s use of Cantonese is viewed negatively is because China is expanding Putonghua education in Hong Kong. After large-scale anti-government protests took place in Hong Kong in 2019, China strengthened its direct rule over Hong Kong and expanded Putonghua education. This is interpreted as a move to accelerate the ‘sinicization of Hong Kong’ by restricting the use of Cantonese and English, which were widely used in Hong Kong in the past.
Jo Yoo-kyung,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.