CSD Study Notes: Characteristics of cultural diversity of the Hong Kong society

Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes for this super interesting topic. We're going to explore what makes Hong Kong's culture so unique and vibrant. Think about the food we eat, the languages we speak, and the holidays we celebrate – it's all a fascinating mix! Understanding this helps us appreciate our city and its special place in the world. Let's dive in!


Part 1: The Recipe for Hong Kong's Culture - What Makes It So Diverse?

Think of Hong Kong's culture like a delicious cup of Yuenyeung (鴛鴦). It's not just tea, and it's not just coffee. It's a special blend of both, creating a unique flavour you can only find here. Similarly, Hong Kong's culture is a blend, with one main ingredient and lots of other influences mixed in.

The syllabus asks us to understand the factors shaping our cultural diversity. Let's break down this "recipe".

Ingredient 1: The Foundation - Chinese Culture as the Mainstay

The most important ingredient is Chinese culture. This is the mainstay, or the foundation, of our society. Hong Kong has always been a Chinese society, and this connection is very strong.

What does this mean in daily life?

  • Language: The primary language spoken is Cantonese, a Chinese dialect. Written Chinese is everywhere.
  • Traditions and Festivals: We celebrate major Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival. These traditions, from giving red packets (lai see) to eating mooncakes, are a huge part of our identity.
  • Values: Traditional Chinese values, such as the importance of family, respect for elders (filial piety), and valuing education, are deeply rooted in our society.
  • Arts: You can see Chinese culture in things like Cantonese opera, Chinese calligraphy, and Feng Shui.

Think of it this way: Chinese culture is the "tea" in our cup of Yuenyeung. It's the strong, base flavour that everything else is built on.

Ingredient 2: The Blend - Integrating with Different Cultures

Hong Kong wouldn't be Hong Kong without its mix of other cultures! Due to its unique history, our city has become a place where East meets West, and where many different ethnic groups coexist.

How did this happen? (A brief history)

For over 150 years, Hong Kong was a British colony. It also developed into a major international port and financial centre. This history brought a huge amount of Western influence and attracted people from all over the world to live and work here. This is why Hong Kong is an open and inclusive international metropolis.

What does this integration look like?

  • Language: English is an official language and is widely used in government, business, and law. Many locals mix English words into their Cantonese (e.g., "I'm going to a party, want to join?" becomes "我去 a party, join 唔 join?").
  • Holidays: We don't just celebrate Chinese New Year; we also have public holidays for Christmas and Easter. This is a perfect example of cultural integration.
  • Food: This is the easiest one to see! The Cha Chaan Teng (茶餐廳) is a classic example, serving everything from macaroni soup with ham (Western-style) to pineapple buns with butter (a local creation). We also have authentic food from India, Nepal, the Philippines, and many other places.
  • Systems: Our legal system is based on the British Common Law tradition, which operates alongside Chinese cultural norms.

Think of it this way: The Western and other international cultures are the "coffee" in our Yuenyeung. They are mixed in with the Chinese "tea" to create something new and exciting.


Key Takeaway for Part 1

Hong Kong's cultural diversity was shaped by two main factors: its strong foundation of Chinese traditional culture (the mainstay) and its historical development as an international city, which led to the integration of Western and other cultures.


Part 2: The Benefits - Why Is Cultural Diversity a Good Thing for Hong Kong?

So, we have this amazing cultural mix. But why is it important? The syllabus calls this the positive significance of cultural diversity. Don't worry if this sounds complicated; it's just asking, "What are the good things that come from this cultural blend?"

Benefit 1: Promoting Inclusion of Cultures

Inclusion means making everyone feel welcome and respected, no matter where they come from. Because Hong Kong is so diverse, people are generally used to interacting with others from different backgrounds. This creates a society where different cultures can exist together peacefully.

Example: You can find churches, temples, and mosques operating peacefully in the same neighbourhood. This shows a high level of religious tolerance and inclusion.

Benefit 2: Facilitating Cultural Innovations and Reflections

When different ideas and styles meet, brand new things are created! This is cultural innovation. Hong Kong is famous for this.

  • Movies: Hong Kong's kung fu movies in the 1970s and 80s blended traditional Chinese martial arts with modern, fast-paced filmmaking, and they became popular worldwide.
  • Music: Cantopop combines Chinese melodies and lyrics with Western pop music styles and instruments.
  • Design & Arts: Local artists and designers often create works that blend Chinese symbols with modern, international aesthetics.

This mix also makes us reflect (think about) our own culture and how it is changing and adapting, which is healthy for any society.

Benefit 3: Promoting Harmony Among Different Ethnic Groups

When people from different ethnic groups live, work, and go to school together, they learn more about each other. This understanding helps build respect and friendship, which leads to social harmony (getting along peacefully).

While challenges still exist, Hong Kong is generally a safe and harmonious city for people of all backgrounds. Events like multicultural festivals help promote this understanding.

Benefit 4: Nurturing Citizenship Rooted in Chinese Culture with a Global Perspective

This is a key concept! It means that cultural diversity helps create a special kind of Hong Kong citizen.

  • Rooted in Chinese Culture: We maintain our identity and connection to our Chinese heritage.
  • With a Global Perspective: At the same time, because we are exposed to so many different cultures, we become more open-minded, adaptable, and comfortable with the wider world. We understand different viewpoints and can connect with people globally.

This unique blend helps solidify Hong Kong's role as "Asia's World City" – a place that is proudly Chinese but also connected to the entire world.

Did you know? The term "East meets West" is used so often to describe Hong Kong for a reason! From our double-decker trams (very British) driving past traditional Chinese medicine shops, to world-class orchestras playing alongside Cantonese opera troupes, the blend is everywhere you look.


Key Takeaway for Part 2

Cultural diversity is great for Hong Kong because it promotes inclusion, sparks innovation, encourages social harmony, and nurtures citizens who have a unique global perspective while being rooted in Chinese culture.


Quick Review Box

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Just remember these two core ideas:

1. HOW is HK's culture shaped? By the integration of different cultures (like Western culture) on top of a strong foundation of Chinese culture as the mainstay.

2. WHY is this good? It leads to a society that is inclusive and harmonious, creates amazing cultural innovations, and develops citizens with a global perspective.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is to say that Hong Kong's culture is "Westernised" or has "lost" its Chinese roots. This is incorrect! The key term from the syllabus is "integration with Chinese culture as the mainstay". Always remember that the Chinese foundation is the core part of our cultural identity. The other cultures have blended with it, not replaced it.

You've got this! By understanding these points, you can explain what makes our home city's culture so special. Keep reviewing the examples, and try to spot them in your daily life! Good luck with your studies!