Established in 2013 with the goal of upholding the integrity of Cantonese and safeguarding the “linguistic rights” of Hong Kong residents, the Hong Kong Language Learning Association has decided to halt its operations.
Cantonese, spoken by the majority of Hong Kong’s population, remains distinct from mainland China’s Mandarin.
Andrew Chan, the association’s founder, announced the immediate cessation of all activities, stating that it was essential to ensure the safety of his family and former members.
In August, Hong Kong’s national security police reportedly searched Chan’s residence in his absence and demanded the removal of an online article that allegedly violated the National Security Law.
The National Security Law, imposed by Beijing in 2020 following large-scale and occasionally violent pro-democracy protests, has effectively stifled dissent in Hong Kong, quieting opposition voices and civil rights advocacy.
The contentious article in question, a fictional short story envisioning a culturally assimilated future Hong Kong, was contributed by a third party to the association’s 2020 writing competition.
Chan revealed that he hadn’t been informed of the precise reasons for the alleged violation, adding that the search had occurred without a warrant.
Chan’s decision to disband the group came from the belief that removing the article alone wouldn’t eliminate legal risks.
Responding to inquiries, the police released a statement to AFP asserting that their actions were “conducted in accordance with the law and based on the actual circumstances.” They did not elaborate on the rationale behind categorizing the article as a violation.
Since the handover of the former British colony to China in 1997, governmental attempts to elevate the prominence of Mandarin in educational settings have sparked backlash, with critics contending it erodes local culture.
Chan drew attention in 2018 for his protests against mandatory Mandarin exams at Hong Kong Baptist University, where he was a student.
He stated, “Authorities aim to promote greater Mandarin proficiency to facilitate the integration of Hong Kong and China,” adding that Cantonese has been unfairly marginalized.
In recent times, Chan’s organization faced financial constraints and was predominantly managed by him alone.
Currently away from Hong Kong on an extended trip, Chan revealed to AFP that he won’t return “until I feel safe.”