Languages of Hong Kong

The official languages of the Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Cantonese ( Chinese version of the language ) and English. They are used in the administration of the government. At the time when Hong Kong was a British overseas territory, the administration was conducted mainly in English, with Chinese language Cantonese in 1974 received the status of an official language. After the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong from Britain to the People's Republic of China in 1997, Cantonese and English were the official languages of Hong Kong SAR. Since Cantonese was elevated to an official language, most signs are displayed on public property and government documents in both languages.

Most ancestors of the population in Hong Kong are from mainland China, besides also from India, Nepal, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. There are here, therefore, many languages heard.