The Effects of Large-Scale Social Movements on Language Attitudes: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Cantonese and Mandarin in Hong Kong

In an era where mass protests are happening with increasing frequency across the globe, there has been a growth in research interest on why people participate in social movements. However, consequences of social movements have received less attention (Louis, 2009). One especially understudied area is how attitudes towards language, a core aspect of group identity, may be affected by large-scale social movements. Having experienced two social movements in 2014 and 2019 respectively, Hong Kong provides a unique context in which to study how collective action impacts language attitudes. The current project will utilize a mixed-methods approach to study how attitudes towards Cantonese and Mandarin shifted in the aftermath of large-scale social movements in Hong Kong. By drawing attention to the oft-overlooked role of language in intergroup relations, findings the project, while directly focusing on Hong Kong, may inform research in other multilingual contexts, including Quebec and other parts of Canada where attitudes towards French and English remain topical.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stephen C. Wright

Student:

Partner:

The University of Hong Kong

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: