Bonjour to a Minority Language in Hong Kong: French
The University of Hong Kong
School of English
Having lived in Hong Kong for ten years, Mr Raphael Beudrey is working as a
Business Development Manager for Rosemont (HK) Ldt, a French company
providing corporate and fiduciary service. Throughout the interview, Raphael highlights
some of the struggles he has experienced in Hong Kong and talking about his cultural identity.
First off, Raphael pointed out that the biggest barrier for French people or expats face in
Hong Kong is the cost of living. Living expenses are high in Hong Kong and it was hard for him to maintain the standard of living he had, even though he is working as a manager- "wine is so much more expensive here!" he laughs. Raphael further explains that because of the French mentality of "made in China equals to low quality",
he has to opt for international supermarkets which again increase his cost of living. Another barrier he mentioned was the language barrier. Local people seemed to reject interactions with foreigners unless they are working in business of tourism, "they immediately say 'mo, mo (meaning no, no)' when I ask for things at a shop, they didn't even want to talk to me".
Even so, he still thinks that Hong Kong is truly multicultural. He observes that there are many things in Hong Kong that are related to French culture, such as the Bauhinia flower on Hong Kong flag which is originated from war times, and how the contribution of French community to Hong Kong is aplenty if we look into it carefully.
The French community in Hong Kong is also growing bigger and bigger. He observes that it is easy to see French people in the street, particularly on Hong Kong Island and expressed that it is not easy in fact to live in Hong Kong. Perhaps in the beginning it is, but not after you stay for longer while and discover more. The barriers the French or expats face will appear gradually. He sees that people may think the business in Hong Kong looks promising and yet realizing it is completely different. There are also some cultural differences, for instance, the word ‘savoirÂvivre’ in French culture means to know how to live or some etiquettes in society whereas he did not find anything alike in Hong Kong.
When asked on his thoughts on why people want to learn French here, Raphael thinks that the reason why parents in Hong Kong push their children to learn French may be because of the fierce competition in Hong Kong. He observes that in Hong Kong, parents provide the best resources so that children can have access to better jobs and better lives. As for his cultural identity, he feels that he is no longer very ‘French’ but neither ‘local’. He enjoys living in other countries which broaden his horizons. But he agrees that he is more ‘local’ comparing to other French people in Hong Kong. He plans to have children in Hong Kong.
All in all, the business manager believes that Hong Kong is energetic, dynamic and multicultural, very businessÂ-driven and a city of vibes. He thinks that no one truly leaves Hong Kong completely because they always keep a base in Hong Kong, be that a house, a business or something else. There is something which keeps them coming back.
French Business Development Manager: Mr. Raphael Beaudrey
French Legal Advisor: Ms. Anne de Roulhac
Ms. Anne de Roulhac has moved to Hong Kong for less than one year after working in Beijing and Shanghai in a law firm for four years. Now, Anne is working as legal advisor for Rosemont (HK) Ltd, a French company providing corporate and fiduciary services.
Anne finds it easier to live in Hong Kong because of her previous working and living experience in Beijing and Shanghai. She feels it is easier to blend in because many people in Hong Kong have experience of living abroad, studying abroad. Thus culturally, people can understand each other faster. Meanwhile, she also has the feeling that Hong Kong people have strong identity of their own. She observes that despite people with different nationalities living in Hong Kong, they do not really mix. People with the same nationality stay together among themselves and do not mix with others. French people in Hong Kong rarely mix with locals either, which may be the effect language barriers perhaps.
Nevertheless, life is not without challenges here, in Hong Kong. After moving to Hong Kong for 9 months, Anne has experienced the high commodity prices in Hong Kong. For instance, the living expense in Hong Kong is very high comparing to cities in China, such as rent, food, and even healthcare service. Language barrier is also a big issue that prevents people from mixing with others. In a way, Anne does not think of her own language being ‘prestigious’ or hear it as a ‘fine’ language because it is something she has known since she was born. She did not know that French is a popular language which Hong Konger want to learn. Yet, talking about the reasons behind this phenomenon, she thinks that perhaps it is the parents who ask children to learn French to enhance their competitiveness and to differentiate from others.
Speaking of Hong Kongers, Anne feels that the younger generations in Hong Kong are more curious and openÂ-minded, that will enable them to interact with different people like French or other foreigners; whereas the older generations do not. And as a French living in Hong Kong, Anne herself does not interact with locals a lot. Rather, she stays inside her French circle more because of the little free time she has besides work.
When Anne was asked about whether her cultural identity changed after coming to Hong Kong, Anne told that she is still very ‘French’ in some ways such as her love for discussions and debates. On the other hand, she feels that living abroad brings her new experience and new perspectives, which she enjoys very much. Anne will go back to Europe which is certain and she will not stay in Hong Kong forever, and perhaps she will leave for other places for work.
All in all, Anne thinks that French people in Hong Kong are active and well-Âconnected, and French community indeed brings something good to Hong Kong.