(photo: University of British Columbia, asia.ubc.ca)

When you walk the streets of Hong Kong and all you hear is Mandarin, you know it’s not the same anymore. Something’s changed.

Now here in Vancouver, one of the largest Cantonese-speaking cities outside Asia, I’m starting to wonder the same…

Are we slowly losing it too?

I came across some numbers recently — back in 2001, about 7.2% of people in B.C. spoke Cantonese at home. By 2021, it dropped to 4.6%. That’s a big drop.

Sure you may think, well it’s Canada, why worry? But if some of our Vancouver locals have been around and have been to other Cantonese speaking countries like Singapore and Malaysia, everyone expects you to be part of the Cantonese gang. And don’t forget the elderlies that we have in the cities, it’s just useful and nice to be able to communicate with them. 

But this isn’t just about stats. I’m a native speaker. I grew up speaking Cantonese at home, in school, on the streets. It’s not just a language — it’s a rhythm, a feeling. It’s swearing at your cousin in the most creative way possible. It’s talking loud and fast at dim sum without missing a beat. It’s home and it’s part of how Vancouver is!

So I gotta say this — if you’re a parent and Cantonese is your mother tongue, teach your kids. Don’t let it fade out. Pass it on. They don’t have to speak it perfectly. Just keep it alive.

And for the younger ones reading this — maybe you understand it, but never really used it. Maybe you only speak it when your grandma FaceTimes. That’s okay. But now’s the time to dive in. Practice it. Use it. Make it yours again.

The good news is, Vancouver’s still got strong roots.

(video: @UBCHongKongStudiesInitiative, youtube.com)

UBC now offers Cantonese classes for credit — that’s huge.

Some Cantonese schools are reopening across the city.

You still hear it every day… at the bakery, on the bus, in Richmond malls, Metrotown, T&T! It’s all around you! My french speaking buddy learnt fluent Cantonese in 3 years and so can you! 

No more excuses. The language is part of who we are — not just in Hong Kong, but right here too. Let’s not wait till it disappears to say we care.

Cantonese has been part of Vancouver culture since the old days. Let’s keep it alive!