HOMEKONGERS

Knowing that one of our classmates, Kanishka, who identifies herself as a Hongkonger while we perceive her as an Indian due to her appearance, we wonder how the concept of self identity of ethnic minorities contrasts with their social identity which is given and shaped by the public. It is always our perception that language helps construct identity and this idea is also advocated by many scholars like David Block and Christina Higgins. Also, according to scholars Brehm & Kassin, ‘Being able to recognize yourself as a distinct entity is the necessary first step in the evolution and development of a self-concept, which is the sum of beliefs you have about yourself. The second step involves social factors influence how we see ourselves through viewing others as mirrors. We often come to know ourselves by imagining what significant others think of us and incorporating these perceptions into our self-concept’.

However, is it always the case? If yes, how can we explain those ethnic minority in Hong Kong who identify themselves as Hongkongers while their proficiency and frequency in the use of Cantonese are both low.