hey i dont work for hsbc and using hsbc was just an example ;-)
this is used for a private/small association making a press release
hey i dont work for hsbc and using hsbc was just an example ;-)
this is used for a private/small association making a press release
Speaking of English, do long term native English speaking expats find their level of English has become worse since being in Hong Kong?
I don't find that I make any more mistakes, but I do find that my use of words (particularly when spoken) has become a bit less sophisticated, and, obviously, my speech has become slower and more precise.
It only takes a day or two to get back up to speed when in a native environment though (albeit with added Asian colour: "Aiya!" and stuff like that).
Last edited by PDLM; 16-03-2010 at 04:36 PM.
i speak very clearly, not slowly. i am careful with the complexity of the language that i use and i am used to being able to explain one concept in 3 or 4 ways until it is understood.
i have somethings that come out now naturally, "aiya", "ma fan" etc that are not english at all...
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER say "la" "wor" or even the canadian "eh"
Yes - absolutely. What worries me is that I have only been here three and a half years. Goodness knows what it will be like after another five. I end up talking pidgin English to the non-native English speakers in the office. Another gweilo in the office does exactly the same.
We both end up saying things like 'he say, she say, she don't, he don't" etc. It must be awful to listen to.
My parents in UK tell me my accent has slightly changed although I am unaware of it. However, I do now find cut-glass British accents slightly grating on the ear.