SOTY 22/23: Linguist category first runner-up connects with culture through Cantonese
- Ng Ka-sheung, 17, was inspired by a love story in this Chinese dialect which led him to write a short novel
- His project, ‘Let Youth Speak’, provides students with opportunities to engage with and appreciate their native language.
Ng Ka-sheung is the first runner-up in the Linguist (Cantonese) category at the Student of the Year Awards. Photo: HandoutFor Ng Ka-sheung, a 17-year-old student at Diocesan Boys’ School, Cantonese is more than a communication tool; it’s an integral part of his identity, connecting him with his cultural roots and emotions.
A childhood encounter with a love story sparked this connection. “It was just an ordinary love story, but it was special because it was written in Cantonese,” Ka-sheung said, reflecting on how it fostered a sense of belonging.
This early experience sparked his desire to write a short novel: “The story is about a boy who loves literature and strives to pursue his dream against all odds,” Ka-sheung shared.
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This narrative draws parallels to his life, underpinned by the unwavering support of his family. “My dad always supported my literary endeavours, proudly sharing my works with friends and family,” he acknowledged, emphasising his father’s role in his creative development.
Ka-sheung’s commitment to promoting the Cantonese language and culture led him to launch “Let Youth Speak”, a project that became a beacon of hope and learning during the pandemic. “I wanted to do something meaningful,” he said.
This project combined his love for the language and the joy of volunteering, he explained. It has reached over 150 students so far, providing them with opportunities to engage with and appreciate their native language.
One notable success story from this project is that of a young boy named Jackson. Initially shy, Jackson’s transformation was remarkable.
“By the end, he made everyone remember him with a joke about his name and his brother Michael, linking it to Michael Jackson,” Ka-sheung recalled.
His linguistic talent has made him the first runner-up in the Linguist (Cantonese) category at the Student of the Year Awards. The prestigious Awards were organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong
Jockey Club.
Ka-sheung has also excelled in speech and writing competitions, demonstrating his profound language skills and passion. These achievements continue to motivate him, fuelling his drive to explore and advocate for linguistic diversity.
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Ka-sheung’s vision for the future of Cantonese is one of vibrancy and cultural significance.
“Cantonese is not just a dialect; it’s a living part of our culture,” he said.
In addition to his linguistic endeavours, Ka-sheung is ambitiously planning to enter the field of law, where he sees his language skills as a crucial asset. He plans to pursue law courses when he starts university next year.
“Studying law is about more than legal concepts; it’s about effective communication and language interpretation. I see it as an extension of my linguistic journey, a way to use my abilities for society,” he shared.
Ka-sheung is also working on an anthology of essays. This collection, a blend of his observations and experiences, aims to capture the essence of life in Hong Kong and the unique perspectives of its youth.
“In this anthology, I plan to include pieces written in both Cantonese and Mandarin. It’s a reflection of our diverse linguistic landscape and a celebration of our rich cultural heritage,” Ka-sheung explained. This collection is not just a testament to his writing prowess, but also a contribution to the ongoing dialogue about language, identity, and culture in Hong Kong.