Cantonese Corner: Why I left Hong Kong 😓 🇭🇰

Hi there,
So this is my video where I kind of say why I left Hong Kong. Just me rambling on in my little Cantonese Corner of my sofa. :)
I was inspired to do it by Navigate HK and I have to say it was kind of cathartic. This time last year, I was getting ready to go back to Hong Kong, do my three-week quarantine, and report back to work to finish out my contract.
Just one day after quarantine was over, however, I was told I was no longer needed at work. So yeah, that was really the nail in the coffin. I had planned to finish out my contract (til Dec. 2021) and then consider my options, but suddenly being told I was no longer needed in any way, shape or form was sobering.
So it's been a year, and I feel like now I can officially move on -- at least enough to where I'm at least posting again and actually looking forward to it. Although posting this video is hard as it's kind of personal and I share things I haven't before (at least I don't think I have).
(Plus, I gotta say it's annoying living in the US now because we're BEHIND Hong Kong ... I always loved being AHEAD of the US and pretty much 90% of the world in terms of time, but now when I record a video and post it the next day, it's even LATER than I used to from HK. LOL .... just another thing I have to get used to living over here! :)
As others who have left Hong Kong have related, there really isn't one reason to have left, there are many (and even more for me than I go into here). It's actually very complicated and not a day goes by that I wish I were still in HK, even though I know I made the right decision to leave for me.
So for me, the reasons include:
1. Family.
2. My time was up. (self-preservation)
3. It is now too restrictive.
4. There's only really one way in and out, which freaks me out.
5. I lost my job (I suppose this was a big reason, but I barely remembered to include it here lol)
So that's it! I am looking forward to becoming more a part of helping to "save Cantonese" by posting more videos and teaching more lessons. I've also signed up to volunteer at www.savecantonese.org and look forward to being more involved by promoting Cantonese more where I live and also online.
Take care and if you're learning Cantonese and/or mahjong -- Happy Learning, as always! :)
See you soon,
Sue
IG & FB: @cantonesecorner
PS. Like and subscribe if you haven't already :)

[@TheUntypicalGerman]

我係德國人 ，我都覺得粵語係全世界最好聽嘅語言。我係廣東嘅時候就愛上咗粵語，到而家一直學。

[@ericlee5066]

那麼之拿語又如何？

[@kekelau6969]

As a native Cantonese speaker , I think It's more an accent or dialect rather than a language .

[@frfrfram]

@@kekelau6969 cantonese is not an accent wtf

[@Dncyx]

廣東話粗口真係世界之最🤣

[@dawnnadir]

@@kekelau6969 When it comes to Cantonese culture and Hong Kong there is a lot of people coming here to discredit Cantonese and Hong Kong. I wonder what's their motive behind.

[@FranfraninToronto]

好開心見到好多人都鍾意廣東話，多謝Sue同其他人都咁努力推廣廣東話。我哋上年都離開香港，無論去到邊，只要你愛香港，熱愛廣東話同香港文化，你都係香港人。 祝你一切順利～

[@CantoneseCorner]

Hi Franfran -- Same-same! I am so very happy so many people are responding and reacting with love for Cantonese and dedicated to keeping Hong Kong culture alive. All the best! 🥰 ❤️ 🇭🇰

[@cpwong7977]

史丹福大學 粵語課程

[@peterfranchk]

As a Hker who is still struggling here (very badly), I can really feel your love for HK. We are too lucky to have you guys once treated HK like home, and thank you for making HK a great city. Wherever you guys go, you guys are the true HKers. Heartfelt thank you.

[@ddoleiden]

Best wishes, friend. I hope your struggles ease soon. I send you warmth from the other side of the world.

[@ttfun4421]

well said, exactly what I had to say

[@horacesiu3377]

It is sad to see people of the international community leaving Hong Kong. Hong Kong is not that “Hong Kong” without the international community in the territory. You all contribute a lot to the society, bringing diverse perspectives from different parts of the world. I have left HK with my Japanese wife in 2021. Living in overseas now, I start to realise how much I miss the place, my friends, my family, the food, the convenience, and whatnots. Very much I hope the place will become more”normal” soon. No doubt Hong Kong is not a perfect place, she does has her own charm for people to stay long there. Thank you for all your contribution to Hong Kong in the past few decades and wish you all the best in the U.S. :-)

[@Harry-jx2di]

Hong Kong is still the same Hong Kong, it's just people who have left Hong Kong are not HKer anymore.

[@nchong2569]

@@Harry-jx2di No, it’s not the same anymore. Sorry to pop your bubble.

[@Harry-jx2di]

@@nchong2569 No worry, bubble theory man, I do live a chill life here in hk.

[@grenade310tri]

@sam The pro not literally about the pandemic but what happened in past 3 years

[@terryandrews3186]

Sadly power always wins. Technically Hong Kong could have won because China has an aging population.

[@rickylee9334]

Dear Sue, I am a young HongKonger and thank you so much for your love of my home city. I am saddened of what has changed politically and socially here.But I am still proud hopeful of my unique identity and culture even if I live in diaspora abroad

[@CantoneseCorner]

It truly is a unique identity, and one that I am proud to have adopted, too! All the best ❤️

[@Harry-jx2di]

If colonized culture is what you so called "unique identity", then just leave HKSAR, China.

[@alchan6848]

@@Harry-jx2di U r Harry?! 🤔

[@Harry-jx2di]

@@alchan6848 Hi, my old sport

[@judixx]

Thank you for loving my hometown Hong Kong! Your very local Cantonese accent brings a smile to my face.

[@CantoneseCorner]

🥰 You're welcome and thank you so much! ❤️

[@ANEWCreationLimited]

Thank you, Sue. I think there are many of us (myself included) who can relate to your story. I haven't been in HK nearly as long as you (almost 10 years for me), but for the first time, I am also thinking about if/when I will leave. I've been living as "locally" as I can-in a small village in the NT, actively learning Cantonese, the majority of my friends are local, etc.-but I'm aware of how things are changing, and feeling that "fear of being stuck" feeling you mentioned (especially these past few weeks). It's a heart-wrenching feeling to even consider moving away-and I keep thinking what is the tipping point that will make it clear for me. I'm not sure yet; I'm still thinking through it. But to help alleviate some of the pent up thoughts/concerns I have about the current situation in HK, I will be flying out to start an extended trip (perhaps for a few months), to see family and friends, and to get some fresh air + different perspective for thinking about my home and life in HK. Thank you again for your work to share Cantonese (I especially enjoy your mahjong videos!) and for keeping the love for HK alive, no matter where you are.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thanks, Adam, for such an accurate description of the heart-wrenching feeling we share. I wish you well on your travels and yes, I think the perspective of being away will help. Friends keep saying I'm should be glad I"m not there, but of course I never think so, while still being grateful for being here. It's just so confusing sometimes, but after a year, it's getting better. And it helps to have others who understand, so thanks for sharing your story and I wish you all the best. Keep in touch -- maybe one day we can play mahjong together!

[@ANEWCreationLimited]

@@CantoneseCorner Thank you, Sue! I know what you mean about not being glad that you're not here... it's like saying you're glad you're not at the place that feels like your home, even though you know that your home has changed even while you were living in it. (Strange analogy, but I think it works ;)). And yes, that would be amazing to play mahjong together! I would love that-I'd have so much to learn from you. I hope that can happen in some way, some day. Until then, blessings on you and your family, and the chapters ahead of you.

[@lilywong3538]

@@ANEWCreationLimited T_T This is definitely the end of an era - Hong Kong was Hong Kong because people like you and Sue were there.

[@ANEWCreationLimited]

@@lilywong3538 That's kind of you, Lily. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

[@terrytangyiufai]

Thx for showing ur love to HK

[@akl10220]

聽到你嘅分享好感動。事實上好多香港人都想走，不過只係呢一刻無能力走。多謝你對香港同廣東話嘅愛。

[@jackpeipei820730]

個人選擇，舊的不去新的不來，祝福香港和香港人

[@laichufloraleung1503]

到處楊梅一樣花。

[@annabelle4757]

自己想走、見到人走就話好多人走。地球圍住自己轉的想法。

[@cheungk4671]

@@annabelle4757 咁好多嘅定義都好多嘅 十萬？ 廿萬？定100萬先叫多？

[@annabelle4757]

@@cheungk4671 對於黃絲來説，十個佢都話多🤣🤣🤣

[@ronyho5678]

As a Hongkonger, thanks for loving our “old” home town. It’s sad but also understandable that people leave HK. Please and thank you for promote Cantonese in your country.

[@CantoneseCorner]

You're welcome and thank you for watching and commenting! 🙏 💖

[@henrychung8479]

Hi Sue, Cantonese-speaking ABC here. Your video brought me to tears. I was in HK visiting friends and family back in January 2020 right on the eve of the pandemic. Flights were being cancelled and the borders were closing. I was lucky that my flight home (US) was one of the few that did not get cancelled. I had intended to return later that year, but I don't think anyone could have anticipated the all events, pandemic and otherwise, that would have unfolded later on in the year that would transform HK so drastically and so quickly. I think about those who can't leave and those who have decided to stay, and my heart goes out to all of them. All I can do is watch in horror as one of the most beloved places in the world to me irreparably falls apart. I agree that the people of HK have a very practical mindset. My family has had a presence there for nearly a century and I do know that survival is in the collective psyche. I came across your videos many years ago. Although I speak Cantonese (mostly) fluently, I always feel that there is always room to learn, and your videos definitely were in my basket of things to watch when I felt out of practice or when I felt too disconnected from HK. I had heard about the Stanford Cantonese classes issue last year and will definitely explore the save Cantonese site some more. I hope to be seeing more videos (in any language) from you in the future.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you for sharing your story -- I was in the same boat in 2020, having come to the US from Hong Kong to spend Chinese New Year with our children and then getting "stuck" here as, like you said, flights were getting cancelled and people were starting to work from home, so the general feeling was stay put here for awhile and see how things go .... and then they kept going, and going, and going .... then last year (end of March 2021) I did finally go back only to have to leave again. 💔 I am very happy to know my videos are helpful to you and I appreciate your sharing your thoughts so eloquently here!

[@laurawallace4345]

Hi! Long time lurker here! Thank you so much for this video and good to see you back here! 我都好鍾意廣東話! Sad to hear about how the changes in HK have affected you and how it's ended up but also every change could be an opportunity? Glad there's a community to save Cantonese 💜 照顧好自己, 下次見!

[@CantoneseCorner]

HI Laura! Thanks for commenting and being a LTL 🥰 I love it! Yup, trying to take advantage of every opportunity now -- and hoping I can keep up with it all! 😍 Take care too, and see you next time -- all going well, I'll be posting another video this weekend!

[@vincyagain]

Thank you for making this video and loving Hong Kong and Cantonese as much as local Hong Kongers do. This means the world. I’ve left Hong Kong for over ten years but I will never give up on Cantonese and practicing Hong Kong culture in Canada. I loved hearing your story and will be following your new videos and your journey!

[@MichiganCantoneseStorytime]

Hi Sue, I also live in MI, USA. I also teaching young kids to speak and learn Cantonese. I think it's very important to have more people to learn and speak Cantonese to keep Cantonese alive. 大家加油！！

[@CantoneseCorner]

Hi!! I just visited and subscribed - your channel is so cute! Will definitely recommend it to any of my students with small children (who don't already see it here! :) Take care and yes -- daaih gā gā yáu! 大家加油 ! ❤️

[@MichiganCantoneseStorytime]

@@CantoneseCorner thank you so much. 大家加油，廣東話加油！！

[@kiwistar3977]

漢字有形音義，唔單止係識字咁簡單，仲有韻律。陰陽理論係中華文化嘅根基，所以有平仄、對仗。以下為例，按粵語韻律填寫，押入聲韻係特點，可以幫助理解同背誦。 偶對聯，歌對讀。開緘對啟牘。 蹴踘對鞦韆，玉樓對金屋。 葉蓁蓁，花馥馥。蟲鳴對鳥宿。 淅淅谷中風，濛濛巖下瀑。 風生飢虎嘯空林，月黑驚麇竄修竹。 恰逢其數，飛熊渭水持竿； 非是偶然，元亮東籬把菊。 呢啲就係古時嘅蒙學。《三字經》、《百家姓》、《千字文》等等都係咁樣有韻律，裏面有好多典故，通過典故而教導中華文化傳統價值。無可否認，典故有相衝突嘅價值，咁就係個人嘅取捨。

[@xuchun5371]

我會支持在未來的自由中國大陸 , 普通話 , 粵語 和 英語 會被採納為國家法定語言

[@jn7959]

自由中國大陸？？？

[@stephen876]

Thank you, for both your love to HK and Cantonese. We share your pain and our HK home will always live in our hearts.

[@kyau1]

Welcome back, great to hear from you again! Looking forward to your new projects!!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you so much!! 💖

[@tintintinnie]

Thank you for starting this! Would love to hear about your experience with Jockey Club and projects you’ve involved in too. Love what they’ve done and supported in the community

[@joting7922]

Long time watcher, first time commenting. Glad to know you still got the drive! Sorry to hear of your departure. Will continue to watch you!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Yay!!! Thank you so much -- I love it that you were moved to comment -- means a lot to me! 💖 Yeah, I was idling for too long, but still have petrol left in the tank and am feeling ready to roll! 😂

[@kristophert541]

As a Hongkonger living in NZ right now, I totally can relate to what you said. Thank you for supporting and promoting Cantonese along the way! Wish you all the best!

[@jessli2008]

Thank you Sue for loving Cantonese and HK as we do. Sad to know that you has left and actually sad to see the current state of HK too, wish you all the best! 加油！

[@zhuolu3460]

Thank you Sue for making this and it is the first time I watch your video. I could feel your sincerity and strong emotion from your words that you love Hong Kong so much and you are a very nice person. To be frank, I am a supporter of the National Security Law and I still find Hong Kong a lovely place with liberty and peace under the new progressions. Making friends with more mainlanders and learning about their history/ culture is actually fun. I really feel sorry for you and many others that feel pressure and restrictions in recent years. It is totally understandable and I hope that you will have a good time in the U.S. Any new video about Hong Kong would be a blessing for us and I will be your new audience.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you for your kind words -- I really appreciate it! I will keep making videos about Hong Kong that I hope will be seen as honest, practical and respectful. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go 'round, and agreeing on everything would be quite boring. I'm so glad you see my videos of Hong Kong as a blessing .... I was truly blessed to have lived there so long and hope to again some day!

[@Debster-um9vs]

I am also a Hong Konger myself and seeing what happened over the years, especially the past two years is absolutely heartbreaking. Anyway it is totally a fair decision and best of luck.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you so much 💞 All the best. :)

[@ms0024february]

Hi Sue, Thank you for your contribution to Hong Kong! I am a young Hong Konger born before 1997. I accidentally came to this channel and totally understand your thoughts of restriction and concern. Everything has changed in Hong Kong compared to my childhood. Everything starts to get ridiculous. Wishing you all the best in US and take care.

[@netflixtvb]

Trust me, she did nothing except filming for this bloody KZbin video

[@CantoneseCorner]

@@netflixtvb I'm not sure why I should trust you, but trust me, I do wish I had done more early on to teach more, help more, become more involved. I can only try to make up for lost time by sharing what I know now, even if only for my kids and grandkids to know more about how awesome Hong Kong was from the time I was there, which was January 1988 to June 2021. And by awesome, I mean a place that gave you the basic framework for creating a successful life and then just left you alone to go take responsibility for yourself and your family and work hard to do it. A place where mutual respect between the government and its people was the order of the day, as was respect for the rule of law. There are a lot of things that I feel I could have done to help around/after the handover -- perhaps I could have helped to educate the younger generation in what the future holds and how they could adapt based on the values of respect, keeping an open mind, listening and learning. But I didn't because I always felt like just a guest in Hong Kong and what could I do as a foreigner/gwaipo/nobody. So maybe now, by doing this video, I can help bring people together to commiserate yet keep alive the HK that we all know and love, and which hasn't disappeared. And maybe by doing so, I can also help myself overcome that feeling of helplessness, and keep on teaching Cantonese to anyone who wants to learn on my channel. I know it's not much, but it's something, and I feel like Hong Kong deserves everything everyone can do to help "save Cantonese" and keep the memory of what she was alive. Maybe if we're lucky, some day somewhere, we can experience this kind of life again. Because it was awesome and I wish everyone could have experienced it. ❤️

[@yautyb]

Sue，祝福你和家人平安健康🙇🏻‍♀️looking forwards to seeing more of your new videos👍🏻

[@chimingchiu]

Thank you for loving the place and the language. May GOD bless your “new” life back in the states.

[@cecilyho4540]

Sorry to hear you left HK, hope you have a great lift in US with your family. We (our Ho's and Chan' 's family) miss you so much

[@tonychan2312]

"life" ?

[@cecilyho4540]

@@tonychan2312 typo "life " 🤭

[@CantoneseCorner]

Hi!!!!! I miss you all so much, too. It's just too sad. 😭 I will be back, promise. How are you all? My best to everyone. ❤️

[@CantoneseCorner]

@@tonychan2312 Tony! LOL 😂😂😂

[@545ian62b44]

Thanks for promoting Cantonese! I’m totally agreed with you, it is a good time to leave. It is a smart move. Many smart peoples planning to move or already moved

[@HKC0425]

Really greatful for you, Sue loving hong Kong, I'm a HKer as well which I left previously 6 months ago, sadly... I truly thank you for treating HK as a home, although the situation now is different, truly appreciate you! ❤️

[@ae86167]

I am so glad to discover this channel and going to recommend to everyone i know Thank you for all the work to preserve our language Sue

[@robertowen8492]

Great video that touched many hearts of those who was once Hongkongers. Save the Cantonese language! The most lovely and dynamic language to learn!

[@CantoneseCorner]

It is, isn't it? I feel so grateful to have been able to live there and meet so many wonderful people. Thank you for your kind words about the video! 🙏💝

[@milleniumsong]

Your Cantonese is amazing! Thank you for keeping Cantonese alive.

[@raiderjacksally]

KZbin algorithm brings me to your video. I can feel there are a lot of love for HK in your speech. It is the same love the local have. You are not a guest here, you are part of Hong Kong legend that once was. Thank you.

[@lexaaxel916]

Thanks Sue. Must have been such a heart-wrenching decision to leave. Thanks for sharing with us. So happy to see another video from you and looking forward to more. ☺️

[@CantoneseCorner]

Oh my gosh, hi!!!! So good to hear from you!! I hope you're doing well. I'm working on a video this weekend, so stay tuned. :)

[@lexaaxel916]

@@CantoneseCorner Aww ☺️♥️ I'm doing well thanks Sue! Still doing some Cantonese study bit by bit hehe. (And a few months ago, me and my friend were watching your majong series! We tried to play together haha - two walls between two players, but it got too confusing! haha) Yayyy looking forward to the new vid! Take care. 🙂

[@user-hc8hj5eo9w]

Thank you for your continuous efforts in promoting Cantonese culture. I wish you all the best. Hope that Hong Kong will remain Hong Kong......

[@sharonerhuchannel1223]

hi Sue. I am HKer who has moved to UK. I understand this is a heartbreaking decision to leave HK like what many HKers are doing actually. I am really touched that you love Cantonese so much. Cantonese is so unique because the older generations of HKers were from different Chinese cities. We have cultural differences in different Chinese cities so you can enjoy different Chinese cuisines. As we love eating, we are serious about food so you can see many creative but tasty food in Hong Kong. We the HKers living in the overseas miss HK so much because of this unique culture, but I am sure that we will restore this food culture and continue its development overseas, because we love HK! So keep going, Sue! I subscribe your channel and support you always. Heartfelt thanks!

[@treehann]

Your speaking is like ASMR - relaxing. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@shelchicago8997]

Thank you for helping to keep Cantonese alive!

[@kennychwk]

Good to hear you are good and well, may god bless you and good luck

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you and same to you! ❤️

[@lamcy1731]

As a Hong Kong citizen, thank you very much for your efforts! Wish you all the best and stay healthy :)

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you so much, and the very same to you! ❤️

[@paulwoodland7964]

Hi Sue A great analysis of current situation. Lived in DB and Sai Kung and other districts. After 8 years in HK and return back to UK in 2020, I miss HK and am looking to return asap! Great video and like your discussion and views. I don't feel that restriction...and can manage. Good luck and will watch your future posts.. great job

[@jonsings]

So sad that you have left Hong Kong. Thank you for sharing your story. Looking forward to seeing how your journey unfolds!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Me too! 😆 I still feel like I'm looking at google map and there are five different blue lines telling me how I should go, and I keep dragging my fingers across the screen to see where the blue lines end, but they just keep going. LOL One day at a time, I guess! Thanks for commenting! :)

[@jonathanclub]

Thank you for speaking out and let the rest of the world knows what happened in HK. And as an American and hongkonger, we all agree that you are also a hongkonger, and that’s the truth that never change. It’s not because of color of your skin, it’s all because if we are sharing the same value as a hongkonger 🦾🦾🦾

[@IT-9]

Hi Sue, thank you so much for sharing your updates. I felt sad when you said "... since Hongkong was Hongkong..." What you have said means so much; and what you didn't said also means much more! Stay safe wherever you are.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Hi! I never thought about it that way, but that is so true about how what is unsaid sometimes can be "louder" or more meaningful that what is said. Thank you, and likewise, stay safe and take care! 💗

[@vivianyuenpy]

Thank you so much for being genuine and making this video. Hong Kongers will miss you. As a Hongkonger, I've been battling feelings of depression since 2019 when things started majorly changing. I'm heartbroken and hopeless on how hong kong isn't hong kong anymore... 😢😢😢😢😢

[@deroxanlit4181]

My Hong Kong friends who was from Hong Kong and immigrated to USA in the 70s. They told me Hong Kong isn’t the same anymore. Back in the 80s and 90s there were Hong Kong vibe. But now they visited Hong Kong they feel more of mainlander vibe. I never been to Hong Kong but I always wonder what is Hong Kong vibe

[@gillianpritchard9362]

So nice to get an update from you Sue. I feel your sadness of leaving HK. I think your reasons are very similar to a lot of people who have left in the past few years. I miss it so much. I look forward to more of your videos 😊

[@CantoneseCorner]

Gill! How are you? Where are you? I'm sorry we never got a chance to meet up again in HK before I left. I hope all is well and thanks for checking in on me! Will be doing a new video this weekend ... or you know, posted on Monday in Hong Kong 😂 Hope all has been well! 💞

[@gillianpritchard9362]

@@CantoneseCorner My family and I made the choice to move back to Canada too. For many of the same reasons you cited. It was incredibly difficult and sad to leave our favourite place in the world. It is really nice to see you via KZbin again, it feels like a nice connection back to HK :)

[@DavidC-gm2ws]

Hongkonger is not a nationality but an identity of anyone whoever really loves living in Hong Kong. Some people misunderstand that one (especially of a Chinese origin) calling oneself Hongkonger means advocating independence.

[@bingohume7013]

It’s like someone from California calling themselves Californian and insisting they’re not American 🇺🇸

[@xmishiex]

I’m born and bred in Hong Kong and am leaving the city soon with the lifeline passport applied through my mum who’s reluctant to accept it’s the better option to leave. The difference in reading the reality between different generations is just sad. But I’m glad you were here to witness the golden days in the 90s! You’ve been in Hong Kong longer than I have been.. and as I believe all good things somehow do come to an end.. precisely so that we learn to appreciate good things could be before they vanish. Take care!! X

[@CantoneseCorner]

Oh wow, yes I agree wholeheartedly about appreciating the good things before they vanish -- and especially because they can disappear in the blink of an eye. Take care and best of luck in relocating.I have friends who have done the same and while I'm sure there are some adjustments to have to make no matter where you go, when you go, or why you go, they are very happy with their decision! 💖

[@xmishiex]

@@CantoneseCorner thanks for your reply! I chose to came back ten years ago and spent my twenties and early career stage in here after spending time in UK and Canada .. what my parents didn’t expect is I picked up more than just the uni degrees, but also the culture and value along the way, which account for a lot of different perspectives. But now turning mid 30s it’s really the time to pulling the trigger and leave. I used to get so excited to fly in CLK airport as I know I’m always a ride away from this hub of Asia. It is not as easy to return this time and hence stirring up more emotions. Anyway, I hope my mum will soon understand my side and join me overseas ☺️😊😊 Let’s all focus on what we can control and the positivities around it - take care yourself too! XX

[@kidd32888]

It is so amazing that you have such deep understanding of ppl of hk

[@kplco1122]

My eyes got wet when watching this clip....Thank you for loving my hometown, the old Hong Kong. All the best.

[@MarieAxelsson]

I live in the UK, and I'm from Sweden, my partners family speak Cantonese, so I'm here to learn a little bit if I can. I'm glad to see you back!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Yay!!! I'm so happy you're here. Thanks for commenting and see you again this weekend ... planning my next video now. :)

[@netflixtvb]

@@CantoneseCorner so the value of HK is for u to take video? Pls shut up

[@Rubbersofree]

We are proud of having you to preserve Cantonese, and thanks for speaking up to let the world know about HK. Ppl in HK, as you have known, are being silenced. Thanks for what you've been doing for HKers. Wish you all the best!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you so much!! 💖 I'll keep doing my best 🙌

[@jeckyyeung5072]

Hello Sue, I ran into your video and your channel accidentally, but I've fallen in love with your beautiful voice and your channel absolutely!! Of course, I'm very impressed and touched by your love for Hong Kong and also your passion for Cantonese!! As born and raised Hong Konger from a proud British colony, I see and feel what you've mentioned in your video, especially with the changes in recent years that really sadden all of us. I went to Canada to further my studies in 2001, I then got a job and applied for immigration to stay in Canada. One of the biggest reasons was, of course, leaving myself and my parents a backup plan (a back-door to be exact). Yes, we've all left HK physically, but our love for HK will never change. Please keep on doing whatever you're doing for HK and for Cantonese, and again, thank you!!!

[@kelvinng7749]

So Happy you like cantonese! Thank you for your support!!

[@Compulim]

Happy to see you posting new video again, I feel very excited. Although I am proficient in English, my first language is Cantonese. Whenever I need to call some government services to resolve issues, I always ask for in-phone translation service for Cantonese. Not only this helps me to communicate more effectively, but it also tells the government there is a need to serve the Cantonese community. Nonetheless, Cantonese is the first language for about 73M people, ranked very close to French, Italian, and (Standard) German. We should not shy from being a Cantonese speaker.

[@CantoneseCorner]

I'm happy to be back posting, thank you!! And that's a great idea -- I didn't know you could do that. I'm so excited to be getting back into Cantonese. There's so much I still need to learn and want to learn. :)

[@dorarie3167]

Sue, my family and I are planning to leave HK in July and go to Canada. I’ll feel like a stranger there after 23 years as a Hong Konger, working as a NET here in secondary schools. We will don’t want to leave, but like you are affected by recent changes. We also tell ourselves that we can always return in the future, but that sounds a bit like we are trying to make ourselves feel better about the move. As a teacher, the restrictions on my in-class speech and stances are clear, and it seems in direct conflict with the idea of developing critical minds. Wish you the best. BTW, I’ve never really studied Cantonese - yes, I know, there’s no excuse - but finding you gives me hope that I can learn some before my departure in order to carry some of the culture with me. Cheers.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Oh wow - I know exactly what you mean about telling yourself I can always go back when I know that while I may be able to physically go back, I can't ever really go back, and that's what is so hard, isn't it? I have a friend who teaches kindergarten and they have been told and feel they must make similar adjustments, but on a much "littler" level, which seems OK, but not. :( I wish you all the best, too, and don't be a stranger! It would be nice to stay in touch. Maybe I'll do a video about what cultural things to take with you when you leave. I'll give it some thought, so thank you for mentioning that! Take care and safe travels!! 😘😘

[@namm-uo4ro]

Thanks for your sharing Sue, really appreciate it! Take good care and wish you all the best🫶🏻

[@patznz]

Great video, as another HK'er / long term expat now living in "exile" overseas, I share many of your pains and you have my greatest empathy. Good luck.

[@TCFung0101]

As a Hong Konger living in New Zealand, I accidentally came to this channel and it is interesting to note there is another Caucasian American lady who can speak fluent (I watched briefly the 'yum cha' one, with no accent at all, very impressive) and dedicated to Cantonese, though I may not fully agree with what she said about the recent restrictions (though I haven't been back HK since 2018, well before all the chaos there in the last 3 years). Anyway, thanks for your passion about my mother tongue, will explore other videos in the channel, love to see more and subscribe this.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you and thanks for subscribing! Another Caucasian American lady? Who? I must meet her! (Unless you mean Corinna (陳明恩) and then yes, it would be lovely to meet her -- I follow her on IG. But she isn't American, or is she? 🤔 💗)

[@TCFung0101]

@@CantoneseCorner Thanks for getting back to me, but I thought you are an American? I seem to see you said you are in Chicago or something from another video? Corinna, as far as I know she is an Australian?:)

[@CantoneseCorner]

@@TCFung0101 Sorry I didn't reply sooner! I guess I thought when you said "another American lady" you meant someone else other than me? And you're right -- Corinna is in Australia. She is so lovely! :)

[@hillcalf]

The city is dying, just leave.

[@CantoneseCorner]

I think what I need is a cure for hope. Because I always hope for the best. Even when all seems lost. 😣😬🙏

[@fungshing7739]

I think just you

[@alexc2231]

Dear Sure, It's really nice to have a fellow HKer like you to help spread our culture. Thank you so much!

[@CantoneseCorner]

You're welcome! Just doing what little I can .... and so overwhelmed by all the support -- it's so great to be a part of this amazing community!

[@fusion4262]

Hello Sue, I stumbled upon your channel and thank goodness I did. I grew up in HK and used to be quite a fluent speaker - unfortunately never learned to read or write Cantonese. I will be relying on your channel to brush up my very rusty spoken skills and hopefully make a start in learning to read/write. You are an amazing teacher, thank you.

[@CantoneseCorner]

I'm so glad you did too! 😁 And thank you!! I look forward to helping you, and yes, definitely make a start with learning to read and write - it's so much fun and so useful in restaurants, song lyrics, signs, holidays, etc.. Will have the character course up soon and also will do more videos here!

[@AsakuraClan]

I'm from San Francisco and really enjoyed learning about your life in HK. So sad to hear it end but looking forward to your future videos!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Oh, San Francisco! I must visit someday soon, as that's where a lot of the action with Save Cantonese is. And I envy you the food I imagine you must have in San Fran .... here we have one or two good places, but nowhere near as many, nor do we have any dim sum. 😭 That's been the biggest adjustment to being back permanently -- the food and trying to stay away from all the sweet things and not put on a hundred pounds! 😋😋😋

[@95chanz]

Sad to only learn about your channel when you have already left us for good. Much appreciation to you in promoting Cantonese and HK culture. Whatever may be next for you I wish you all the best :)

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@jjwong2687]

This is a great and true summary about hk on all the recent changes.

[@avidicus]

Wow! Thank you for sharing this video. I love this channel! Very interesting story about why and totally understand the pressures and growing restrictions, etc. Looking forward to the next and more videos! ;-) Cheers from Vancouver, Canada!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank YOU! 💞

[@hellomichellen]

Thank you for making this video. I left Hong Kong 20+ years ago (my family did it a bit after the 97 wave) and I'm so happy to be able to experience Hong Kong that I left behind from your video. I went back a year before the 2019 protest and I could feel the freedom/free spirit of Hong Kong wasn't there anymore for sure. Thank you for promoting Cantonese here in the US! All the best to you and your family with your new life in the US! Will continue to follow you on this channel :)

[@CantoneseCorner]

You're welcome! That makes me feel so happy. I really appreciate it. ❤️

[@Ryuuutaross]

It’s heartbreaking to hear from this. You are not even a gwaipo, you are a real hongkonger. Thank you ma’am for your contribution and preservation of our culture.

[@Maggie-ih9qi]

Wow, It's been a good long while, good to see you back to US, safe and sound.

[@sokielee3761]

I am Chinese American. I was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong and our family moved to the USA in 1967. You are my best connection to a place that I was born. I miss the HONG KONG that I knew. You speak perfect cantonese. I love your videos!! thank you! Please keep making these videos.

[@arthurdub7901]

My mother is from HK and my father from Taiwan but they’re both half Cantonese. I was taught Taiwanese accented mandarin at home and Cantonese was always the third language in the back behind American English. I always feel strongly for my Cantonese roots and later on in my 20s developed a deep love for HK from my many visits. HK’s transition to fit into this larger red picture breaks all of my family’s hearts (well maybe not for my extended relatives from the mainland lol) but my American born cousin who grew up in HK May move with her husband to the USA soon after their baby is born. Anyways I just wanted to thank you for all these videos! Makes me believe that we still have a global community who believe in the preservation of this language especially from someone who is a “foreigner”. HK really was a special place for me where I’d meet this wonderful mix of international friends. I want to go back and visit some time but I’m scared of what it looks like now I think I haven’t been back since 2017.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thanks for sharing your story and you're welcome! 🙏 ❤️

[@canto_v12]

HK will bounce back, so please visit when we're out of this Covid mess!

[@matthewromo2435]

Hey Sue, thanks for sharing! My husband and I left in January... but doesn't diminish my desire to learn Cantonese one bit. In fact, I feel like I've been speaking more Cantonese here in the US than in HK! Incredibly rich culture and language wherever one is located.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Hi Matthew! So happy to hear from you! And also happy to know that your desire to learn Cantonese has only grown with the move. I think I need to move to a bigger city -- one with a bigger Cantonese population and FOOD (dim sum, please!)! 😋 I'm slowly getting over the fact that I don't need to be in HK to speak Cantonese and to finally get going on continuing to learn myself! :)

[@chancyril]

@@CantoneseCorner You may subscribe some cantonese youtuber channel for learning and keep to update. 多謝您咁多年為香港同廣東話嘅付出~我都好怕我老來小朋友唔會同我講廣東話~只係講英文~有日真係要離開香港嘅話~香港人加油!(Included you~!)

[@kimberley0408]

Thank you very much for your effort in promoting Cantonese🥺❤️ thank you for your love to Hong Kong❤️❤️

[@LivingLife7428]

Hi Sue! I am so glad that I have subscribed your channel. I agree that it is the time for you to move back to the States. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I moved to the States in 1994 with my family. I cannot even imagine what my life would have been if I was living in Hong Kong now. I do miss the Hong Kong I grew up in during the 70s, 80s and early 90s. Sadly I do not recognize the Hong Kong I see now. I love your passion on sharing the language of Cantonese. Thank you for doing that. I have not had much time of speaking the language, except for watching some youtube videos uploaded from the Hong Kong youtubers.

[@joooh]

Hello Sue, I'm a Canadian born Hong Konger that was working in HK for the past 7 years, and I've just moved back home to Canada as well. I'm so sorry that things didn't work out for you during your stay, but I'd also like to thank you for your love for HK and Cantonese. Hong Kong is special due to its unique culture, heritage, and the diverse international community, but slowly we are witnessing its uniqueness being washed away. We've all experienced a lot in the past 3 years, despite different political viewpoints, Hong Kong is definitely changing. Travel restrictions basically sped up the process of many that were planning to leave. It's super sad to see so many of my friends and colleagues leave the city one by one. Anyway, all the best and please continue your journey in learning Cantonese! Without people like yourself, our language will soon be forgotten.

[@cpwong7977]

廣東話念唐詩宋詞 是最押韻、最優美動聽的😘 是無與倫比的音韻💕

[@alexsbarricades8218]

Hi Sue, I have only recently discovered your channel around a few days ago. Thank you for your love for Cantonese as well as Hong Kong! I am a Hong Konger who had chose to study in the UK, and I'm really sad to see what has become of my home, but I'm still proud of my heritage, and I'm hopeful that Hong Kong will be free again. Again, thank you for promoting our language :3 It can be very hard to learn, but it IS a beautiful and fun language (partly bc I'm a native speaker)! I think everyone should try learning it :)

[@gigiisthebestest]

I am Chinese. Born and raised in HK. I love the HK when I live there (90’s). I love Cantonese, love traditional Chinese characters. I have been in the US for many years now. It’s so great you love Cantonese and HK.

[@derekh9209]

An added advantage of learning Cantonese is that the ancient Chinese poems are better rhymed in Cantonese than that of Mandarin. And yes, Hong Kong is the most amazing 'East meets West' city of the world.

[@cindylam32]

so happy to know someone in this world love Cantonese! especially now Cantonese are now may facing the fate of extinction in the coming century....i hope more people around the world love our language. its too sad of seeing it fade away. it is such a vivid language, so witty, humor, and creative❤

[@davidyim01]

Thank you so much for helping to preserve Cantonese!.

[@aifeili888]

As a human rights lawyer in the US, I never thought I would be doing political asylum cases for those fleeing Hong Kong. That’s the reality now and very sad for those who cherished freedom of speech there

[@dickbuckass]

Growing up in a family that spoke Cantonese in the US, it saddens me that I am slowly losing the language as there are not many speakers here where I can practice with. It is a beautiful language and I hope it continues to be shared all over the world.

[@CantoneseCorner]

I hope so too! 🙏❤️🇭🇰

[@JonathanHin1224]

Great to see you posting again! It must had been a tough decision to leave for you. Hope you will be back in HK in the future when it feels right. But anyway, wishing you all the best and take care! Look forward to your new content as well!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thanks!! What's really interesting, I guess, is how the decision itself was easy ... but it's everything after that that has been really hard ... if that makes any sense! But if there's one thing you can count on, it's change, so I keeping thinking change is good and who knows one day change will bring me back! All the best to you, too, and thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@kendragonn]

Thank you so much for sharing this reflection with us.

[@takusi501]

Support you Sue from HK. I know what you feel and that's something I have to face to. Luckily that you are able to move back to another freedom country. Please stay healthy and looking forward to you next video. 加油👍🏽

[@auwanho]

Lovely to hear your story Sue and hope you are doing well in the US! I am in HK at the moment but im currently looking for ways to emigrate too. In times like these it’s important to look forward and hoping that one day we will see each other again!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Yes, onwards and upwards! I hope so, too. ❤️

[@antonydevadass4856]

Was there first from 2008 - 2010, then from 2013 - 2018. It was difficult for me and my family to leave, I can really imagine what you're going through. My son was 4 when we first arrived there. Until today, he considers Hong Kong his home.

[@CantoneseCorner]

My kids do too -- Hong Kong will always be home ❤️🇭🇰 !

[@antonydevadass4856]

@@CantoneseCorner admittedly he grew up in the expat bubble: international school, filippina helper, living in midlevels etc. and was spared the toxic competition of a local school and HK tiger moms...... Or sleeping on a bed whereby half of it was supported by an enormous window sill because the area of the room felt like 5 square feet...... But still, Hong Kong will always be home to him.

[@jaynechen5874]

Thanks for sharing your story, Sue! 我雖然冇在香港生活過，但係我對這片土地很有感情！粵語也是自己鐘情的語言 ❤️

[@6ong]

Sad to hear about your departure. Really liked your vibe and your love for cantonese culture. Can’t say I agree to all your concerns about HK, but feeling is subjective thing and it can be different for everyone, so I respect your feeling and decision. Really cool to know having someone like you and the community trying to save cantonese. Keep it up.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you and thanks for not agreeing with me in such a respectful way -- I appreciate it! I go back and forth all the time about how I feel, and wonder if I did the right thing by leaving ... wonder if I overreacted .... but then I tell myself it doesn't really matter (as well as being a waste of time because what is done is done 😂) -- circumstances led me here ... at least for now ... and so now I'm trying to look at it practically and see it as an adventure and to make the most of it. Do what a real HK'er would do, and never give up the "can-do" attitude! :) This reminds me of Silent Witness, the racehorse who captured our hearts in 2003 during SARS. ❤️ 🐎 💚 🖤

[@6ong]

Not to reflect upon anyone but myself, I am caught between the emotions of possibly leaving Hong Kong in the future, or staying behind and try putting in effort to make it a better place. If I choose to flee because I see issues, it seems conflicting with my feelings for Hong Kong. Interesting that you brought up Silent Witness, it carries special meaning to me as well.

[@daisymark924]

It’s amazing how a hk-loving community is gathered here in the comments!! I’m at the edge of tears for many times when watching your video and reading some of the comments. As hongkongers we just need to strive to keep our identity and community no matter where we choose to live, even for those who choose to stay - coz many forces are trying to tear these down. We’ll still be hongkongers together no matter what. God bless everyone.

[@CantoneseCorner]

I am absolutely amazed and so very, very happy too that my video has given the hk-loving community a place to gather! Completely unexpected -- most of my videos get 1,000 or so views, and to see such a groundswell of love for HK has been really wonderful! Your message is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. ❤️🇭🇰

[@fleetadmiralofthe50centarmy]

Been in HK for 4 years, and I feel more free here than back in the USA. Being outside and looking back....I have absolutely no desire to go back to the USA. Guess I missed the "Good ol' days" but it is way better here (for me) now. (low taxes, no experience in racism, safety, discrimination, once it opens can travel exotic places more, the MTR, better social programs...) Hope to learn Cantonese from you anyways.

[@taipo101]

totally agree. It's safer now than it has been for a while!. Every country has an NSL, just that it's not shown as a negative. I love HK

[@peterretep1010]

I wish I can just move hk right now. Nyc is not a place for Asians as it is obvious, the city is not on the Asian’s side in nyc. They are moving a mega jail, and also a bunch of homeless shelter in multiple chinatowns. Call it coincidence all you want, but that isn’t a coincidence to me. Multiple occasions shows that Asians were killed by homeless. Nyc is going downhill due to the democratic politicians running things and only taking one groups side. Until that changes, nyc is dangerous perhaps not only for Asians, but innocent people in general. But, Asians are the most vulnerable due to the circumstances that is going on in nyc.

[@siukittang]

好多謝妳咁熱心推廣粵語，今日KZbin先至推薦俾我，我即刻share咗俾我啲仔女，希望佢哋可以繼續學粵語，同埋教我啲孫仔們。

[@seanl6885]

Sue, your Cantonese is incredible. Even though my two sons were born in the US, they speak Cantonese at home. Welcome back.

[@CantoneseCorner]

Yay! So happy to hear your children are speaking Cantonese at home, and I'm sure you know this, but there are such great resources for kids on KZbin and IG. I'm amazed at the creativity of some of the moms who are teaching their kids and others. Thank you for such a lovely compliment and for the welcome. Take care! 🤗💝

[@rexrexrex4400]

You are part of us, Hongkongers. We're one and we feel you. We're now a nation without border, living our east-west spirit, passing on our language, our culture. Glad to have you living it together.

[@dawnnadir]

It is very sad to have Hong Kong given to communist china. I knew it in day one things won't be good and is going to fall apart under the communist china regime. The core issue is the clash of civilizations. With Hong Kong and HKers capabilities it could build as a self reliance place for all sort of things. But China as most of us would have known is a control freak that they want to infiltrate and intervent every bit of Hong Kong ways of life. But Hong Kong is a place of resilience and tenacity I trust Hong Kong can take all the hits and storms and in the end we will cheer!

[@stevenwong345]

@H L she is afraid to be in Hong Kong very simple look at what the USA is doing to their Chinese American ( some people get pushed in to the subway, on the street, also get beaten up in a broad daylight. She thinks might happen to her)

[@monsterkloo584]

@@stevenwong345 that's what they so call freedom and human rights so they think they can do what they like even beating up elderly and women

[@tokam1978]

Hi, Sue, I am Jacky from HK. I’m very happy to find your channel on KZbin and subscribe at once. Thank you very much for your love to HK. I think I can understand your deep feelings to HK.

[@Ckftuk]

Thanks for the video. I’m so Proud of being a Cantonese speaker and part of Hong Kong culture .

[@yauyauhin]

Thank you Sue. Thank you very much! I am a Hong Kong local citizen (Actually you have been in Hong Kong a bit longer than me!), but I kind of feel what you have been feeling about living in Hong Kong. We as a Hong Kong citizens, may feel hopeless and desperate in Hong Kong, unless we have a passport of elsewhere. For foreigners that have lived here for so long, you may not feel as hopeless as we feel, but you would certainly be feeling confused, feeling lost. One thing that most likely we are in common is that we certainly miss the "Old Hong Kong" badly. It's good to hear that you can leave this hell-like Hong Kong, and catch a breath of fresh air in the US. Freedom is what you deserve to have! Good luck to your new life back in the US. Wish you all the best!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you, @JayGod! I wish you all the best too ... may the memories of Old HK stay with us forever and live on even longer! ❤️ 🇭🇰

[@yukiyuki3209]

Thank you for your love to my home city and wish you all the best in US. Hong Kong is always a place that welcoming you and all of us! Thank you so such for sharing the wonderful language, cantonese is the best language which including different collective memories, features, history etc of HK. Whenever we are landing in different corners of the world, we assuredly keep a strong sense of belonging to HK. We love HK!

[@CantoneseCorner]

Thank you! I love what you wrote -- couldn't have said it any better!🤗 ❤️

[@rub9729]

thank you so much for preserving cantonese culture!!

[@paulsie9099]

Hi Sue, Just noticed that you have left the Club and now in US. Anyway, We miss u so and thanks for everything you have done for Hong Kong. Have a happy and a new rich approach for yourself and your family especially for your daughter. 加油!