SOTY 22/23: Love for Cantonese wins Diocesan Girls’ School student Linguist second runner-up award
- Christy Lee Hei-tung explores her passion for the language through Cantopop, Chinese debate team
- Teen is also interested in science and tech: in 2021, she worked with her classmates to create ‘asthma detector’ using artificial intelligence, earning the Soong Ching Ling Award for Children’s Invention
Christy Lee Hei-tung, a student at Diocesan Girls’ School, was awarded the 2nd runner-up in the Linguist (Cantonese) category at the prestigious Student of the Year Awards. Photo: HandoutChristy Lee Hei-tung, a student at Diocesan Girls’ School, has always been captivated by Cantonese culture. In one of her Chinese poems written during Form 3, she beautifully depicts a young girl holding her grandfather’s hand as they venture to a cha chaan teng to savour the delight of pineapple buns. This simple act transports her back in time, allowing her to reminisce about her childhood as she grows older.
“I believe that certain aspects of our indigenous culture are hidden in the nooks and crannies of our lives. Through the poems and essays I write, I aim to awaken everyone’s awareness of these rich cultural traditions,” Christy passionately stated.
Her memories extend beyond food; they encompass Cantonese songs that, along with the vibrant Hong Kong environment, have nurtured her fervour for the language. This passion propelled her to join the Chinese debate team and decide to promote Cantonese culture.
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Christy’s enthusiasm for the language was recognised when she was awarded second runner-up in the Linguist (Cantonese) category at the Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The roots of her love for the language do not lie solely in pineapple buns and milk tea. “As a child, my dad would often play Cantonese songs, especially during car rides, exposing me to Cantonese music regularly,” she fondly recalled. “This experience fuelled my passion for Cantonese music as I grew up.”
She found herself drawn to Cantonese music due to its captivating melodies and relatable themes. Christy paid close attention to the messages conveyed in the lyrics and admired the artistry of renowned lyricist Wyman Wong, whose profound words reflected societal phenomena.
“These elements deeply resonated with me, and they are some of the reasons why I fell in love with Cantonese music,” she explained.
When describing her favourite songs, Christy emphasised the emotional depth found in Cantonese music. She highlighted how lyricists often crafted stories from a Hong Kong perspective, establishing a strong connection with listeners. As an example, she cites the profoundness of Terence Lam’s song “Solitude”.
Christy explained that Cantonese songs delved into the interpersonal challenges of daily life, offering insights into the importance of maintaining composure and creating personal space for relaxation, reflecting the needs of modern individuals. She appreciates this sentiment, feeling a deep connection when she listens to such songs. Christy firmly believes that Cantonese music, as a medium of communication, carries underlying messages.
Beyond her love for Cantopop, Christy is a talented coder with a creative streak. During her school’s art festival, she used her coding skills to develop Thumb, a piano app that incorporated Cantonese song scores and lyrics. This app, designed as a game, served as a platform for fellow students and young children to gain a deeper understanding of the Cantonese language.
She also participates in invention competitions. In 2021, she worked with her classmates to create an “asthma detector” using artificial intelligence. This device, capable of detecting allergens and alerting asthma sufferers to avoid high-risk areas, earned them the Soong Ching Ling Award for Children’s Invention.
Upon completing her Diploma of Secondary Education, Christy plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. However, she also contemplates the possibility of minoring in language and literature, ensuring her passions continue to flourish.