Hong Kong’s main language of communication is Cantonese, but it’s not uncommon that a native Hong Kong-er (yours truly, for example) mixes an English word or two into their daily Cantonese conversation. Some do it to show off; some do it mainly because they suck at expressing themselves entirely in their mother tongue. As much as a braggart I seem to be, it’s definitely the latter case for me… (and I am aware that I can’t really express myself in English, either).

The normal Hong Konger usually says “wei” when they pick up the phone, but some just like to say “hello”, er, to be creative? I’m rather surprised, though, that most of those who said “hello” didn’t actually expect the person on the other end to reply in English. The following happens quite frequently when I call people…

someone picks up the phone
Me: 喂? (Sounds like “wei”)
Person: Hello?
Me: May I speak to so-and-so, please?
Person: … (awkward silence) Wait.
person puts down phone
(whispers in Cantonese, confused, possibly frowning): She… speaks English…

Darling, if only you said “wei” instead of “hello”. lol

In other news, oh boy am I inspired to make a new (but not necessarily better) layout for the domain. Everything’s already here *taps head*, now let’s see if I could squeeze the time needed to put the idea into graphics and codes into my tight schedule of eating, sleeping, reading, drawing, prospectus-flipping*, porno-watching, etc. that I (have to) do every day.

*I should really write an entry on this.