One Country, Two Systems, Three Languages

In 1997, Hong Kong has the attention of the world as it moves from being one of the most liberal market economies to inclusion in one of the few remaining states which might be termed communist. The set of papers and debates in this volume derive from a conference that took place in Hong Kong one year before this changeover and in which the participants attempted to analyse the patterns of language use that prevailed in mid-1996 and to assess the linguistic changes that might accompany the political shift. This interest in recognising and predicting language change stems in part from a belief that language shifts are a useful barometer for societal change: they may reflect the extent of contact that is occurring between speakers; they are often an accurate indicator of a changing focus for group loyalty; they may bear witness to the pressure of economic or political forces. In the Hong Kong context the interesting question is whether this society will be able to manage the triglossia which it now plans. The world watches to see if China and Hong Kong can manage the one country, two systems solution agreed on by the UK and the PRC. Those interested in language will be watching to see if one country, two systems, three languages can be achieved.