Tag: English

So What *IS* My ‘Official’ Mother Tongue?

Posted on by Cynthia Cheng Mintz

It’s not census time in Canada, but one question has always been in my mind.  What am I supposed to answer when they ask about my so-called “mother tongue?”  Do I REALLY say that it’s Cantonese?  Or should I say that it’s English?  I feel like I’m lying either way, as I’m sure many children […]

The Cantonese Guide to Criticizing Fashion

Posted on by Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Non-Cantonese speakers are always asking me how to say “hello” in the language.  The truth is, there isn’t really a way to do so.  On the phone, one might say “wai?” but that’s not super-formal.  And “nay ho” and even “nay ho mah” isn’t appropriate all the time, either (a little bit too stuffy).  I […]