A study on the changes in the use of Putonghua and English in Hong Kong under the “Biliteracy and trilingualism” language policy (2019-2024)

Abstract

Based on language surveys on trilingual usage in Hong Kong conducted in 2019 and 2024, this paper employs statistical analysis methods including independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and non-parametric independent samples tests to explore the usage patterns and changing trends of Putonghua and English among Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents. The research finds that in 2024 the frequency of Putonghua and English usage in workplace settings has increased compared to 2019 and is significantly higher than in non-workplace settings. Key factors influencing language use include educational level, professional rank, and industry characteristics. Specifically, secondary education serves as a dividing point for Mandarin usage, while post-secondary education marks the watershed for English proficiency; higherranking professional groups use Putonghua and English at work significantly more frequently than lower-ranking groups. In addition, language usage varies considerably across different industries, with service industries requiring more Putonghua and technical fields requiring more English. These findings reflect the close relationship between language proficiency and educational level, career development, and industry demands. The paper concludes by suggesting that when implementing the established “biliteracy and trilingualism” language policy, the government could develop more practical language planning objectives based on the actual language usage patterns in Hong Kong society, optimise promotion strategies and support directions, and ensure more effective allocation of educational resources. 本文以2019年和2024年两次有关香港三语使用的语言调查为基础，采用独立样本t检验、单因素变量分析和非参数独立样本检验等统计分析方法，探讨香港粤语居民使用普通话和英语的情况及其变化趋势。研究发现，2024年普通话和英语在工作场合的使用频率较2019年有所提升，且明显高于非工作场合。影响语言使用的主要因素包括：教育程度、职级差异和行业特征，其中普通话使用以中学为分界点，英语则以专上教育为分水岭；高职级群体在工作场合使用普通话和英语的频率明显高于低职级群体；同时，不同行业的语言使用也呈现显著差异，如服务业需较多普通话，技术行业需较多英语。这些发现反映了语言能力与教育水平、职业发展和行业需求之间的密切关系。文末建议政府在落实"两文三语"语文政策时，可依据香港社会的语言使用情况，制定更切实的语言规划目标，优化推广策略和支援方向，使教育资源投入更显成效。