Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verificationThe op-ed, “How to tell China’s story” (July 14), misses an important genre which has gained growing popularity in the West and is far more telling of life in contemporary China than decades-old titles like Life and Death in Shanghai or Wild Swans.I am referring to the internet fiction genre of danmei. Danmei is a term which originated in Japan. This new genre has given rise to many phenomenally successful internet novels that have been turned into wildly popular Chinese television drama series and spawned English translations. An outstanding example is Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi, which was turned into a Chinese drama series, The Untamed, in 2019, translated into English and made available on Amazon. The Untamed catapulted two young actors, Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, to superstardom in China. Another highly successful publication is The Husky and His White Cat Shizun, the English version of which was on The New York Times’ bestselling list. The English version has such a wide following in the West that paperback editions are available.Danmei novels celebrate “boys’ love” which is frowned on by the authorities. Immortality, a big-budget Chinese drama series produced by Tencent and based on The Husky, has been put on hold. But the genre continues to have a cult following in China and overseas, inspiring fan art, fan fiction and merchandise.
A lot of boys’ love internet novels were written by women for women. Why are they so popular with women in China? Their popularity reflects the frustration of contemporary Chinese women caught between the traditional, pragmatic, family-first concept of marriage and their yearnings for romance and true love as glorified in danmei fiction. Such fiction has become their channel for fantasy and escapism. Surprisingly the novels have also struck a chord with Western audiences.
While drama series based on such fiction have been banned, animated versions of some popular titles continue to be produced. The resilience of this genre, decried by the authorities as a lowbrow deviation from the officially sponsored “main melody” productions, reflects a subtle, ongoing tussle between the authorities and creative artists. Most of the time the authorities win, but the bans have not stopped private enterprise and creative genius from finding room for this genre to flourish. Call it the “one eye open, one eye shut” attitude of the authorities?
Regina Ip, member, Legislative Council
Reinforce our bilingual culture before we lose it
Hong Kong’s bilingual culture and English proficiency are key factors in our uniqueness in China, and should be further reinforced at this critical juncture.
After Hong Kong’s reunification with China, Chinese became the medium of instruction in schools. English standards in the city started slipping about a decade ago, according to a global study of English proficiency by EF Education First. In the 2023 ranking, Hong Kong came 29th, far behind Singapore in second place. It doesn’t bode well for Hong Kong’s status as China’s most international city.As China rises economically and geopolitically, Hong Kong has a role to play as the bridge to other countries.
English remains valuable for Hong Kong. It is worth noting that fewer English magazines are available in convenience stores, and that there are fewer bilingual annotations in advertisements and posters. Students are losing opportunities to learn English in the streets.
Bilingualism is codified into the Basic Law. Politically, the persistent use of English shows the world how Hong Kong’s way of life remains unchanged, even after the enactment of the national security law and Article 23 legislation.
Economically, using English widely enhances Hong Kong’s competitive edge and provides expatriates with a friendly environment to work and invest in.
Culturally, the reality is that Hongkongers’ spoken language is not quite Chinese or English. Instead, English and Cantonese fuse together because many of us had lessons with English materials but in Cantonese. Besides, groceries, dishes and brands that originated overseas don’t necessarily have Chinese names, and are naturally referred to in English. It’s become a Hong Kong style we should confidently continue.
More critically, major universities here have international lecturers and use English.
Furthermore, if Hong Kong is to remain a superconnector between the mainland and other countries, students must be able to communicate well with foreigners in English. Therefore, the government should seriously consider restoring English as the medium of instruction in schools. Hongkongers’ English proficiency must not be allowed to diminish.
C.P. Lee, Causeway Bay
Don’t let the sun set on neon
I refer to the article, “Hong Kong’s neon signs find new homes inside shops as rules take buzz out of outdoor displays” (July 20).By the estimate of a non-profit organisation, there are about 500 neon signs left, compared with tens of thousands in bygone days. It’s worrying that these vibrant symbols of Hong Kong culture are fast disappearing.
While I’m not suggesting young people join a sunset industry to save it, perhaps more could pick up neon sign design as a hobby to safeguard local culture.
Frank Lam, Tuen Mun
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