School Reopening Mass 2007

Love is what unites us together and it is through language that we can communicate our feelings of love. This was the message given by Father Ferdinand Lok at the school reopening mass.

The mass marked the beginning of another school era. During the mass, Father stressed the importance of language as a tool of communication and added that it should be used appropriately to express care, concern and forgiveness.

The occasion was complemented by the chanting of hymns through which the students asked God for His blessings in their journey of education.

The mass was followed by the installation of the Student Office Bearers. The prefects officially assumed their duties and joined the Head Girl, Apple Lau, in pledging their loyalty, service and commitment to the school. Head Girl’s Maiden Speech

Good morning principal, teachers and fellow schoolmates,

I am Apple Lau of 7A, the head girl of this year. Before starting the assembly, I would like to use this chance to make my pledge for this new school year again to all of you. I’ll do my best to co-operate with every schoolmate so as to enhance the discipline and order of this school. And I will work with you to live up to the theme of this year, “Mastering languages”, especially English.

As all of us know, our school theme this year is “Mastering languages”, does the theme make you reflect on how you use language? Do you use it properly and for the right purpose? Also, can you communicate effectively in pure Cantonese or English or do you find it hard to present your ideas fluently and precisely without using a mixture of the two?

Actually, are you aware of a TV programme that stresses the proper use of language broadcast on TVB Jade about a few months ago? The name of this programme is called “Correct words are the most important of all” (最緊要正字). This programme promotes chiefly the correct usage of Chinese words and the correct pronunciation of Chinese characters. Though it is a programme on Cantonese, it is in fact very educational and coincidently matches our school theme of this year “Mastering languages”. The emphasis on careful use of language and correctness of usage shows an increasingly serious attitude towards language and higher demands on language education.

However, sadly to say, many surveys have shown that language abuse is very common among secondary students. In fact, it is getting more and more serious. For instance, it is very common to hear people using words like “pork chop” or “airport” to describe a girl’s body figure. Are these words suitable to describe others even if we just say so jokingly? Just imagine how we would feel if such descriptions were directed at us. Would we feel humiliated and hurt? The same goes with gossips and rumours. Unkind words can hurt as badly as a sword. Language abuse can have a great impact on the victims’ psychological health. Do think carefully before saying anything to avoid using abusive words in conversations.

Other than the issue of language abuse, mixed code is also very common in Hong Kong, a place where Chinese and western cultures meet. It is true that in our daily conversation of Cantonese, some English words or expressions inevitably pop up. Our school theme “Mastering languages” reminds us that we have to be good at different languages, but it doesn’t mean that we should use mixed code. We should bear in mind that every time we only stick to one language in speaking, not to use English with the help of Cantonese in expressing ourselves. I remember that a speaker in a talk years ago warned us that using both languages in expressing ourselves does not reflect how well we can speak English in front of our peers. It only reflects how poor our mastery of both English and Chinese is. It’s very inspiring to me. Since then, I’ve been working hard to express myself in only one language at a time.

My dear schoolmates, language learning is a life-long process. You and I should continue to put our effort into mastering our languages as the way we use our language can reflect our personality and accomplishments. If we use it badly, such as using foul language, this will not only hurt others’ feelings but also affect the impression other people have of us. Therefore, let’s be aware of our usage of languages so that we show ourselves to be sensible, respectable individuals. Now let’s pray to ask our God to guide our hearts and minds to learn languages properly.

Thank you and may God bless us all.