Cantonese classes?

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ctrbabe1

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Hi all! Just wondering if any of you have taken Cantonese classes while here in HK. If so, where? and how much did they cost? and were they good/did you really learn?

My husbands family is HK Chinese and all speak Cantonese, and now that we've been here 4 years, they're kind of getting on my case for not learning yet... (Well, his extended family/relatives are, not really his parents or brothers.)

Help is appreciated!
 
There are several options. You can do the online Canto course at HK's Science and Tech Uni or in person at CU or HKU. They all cost a bundle.
But on Sunday's there is a government subsidized Canto class which costs only HK$100 a term that you can sign up for if you have a HK ID card. I've had some friends sign up and they say the tutor is great.
 
Hi. Here are the details... The organisation to contact is:
Migrants Programme
International Social Service Hong Kong Branch
6/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Tel: 2836 3598
Fax: 2508 0207
Rani... maybe this info could be listed if it's not already there?
 
You can also try the YMCA in TST.

Personally, I signed up once at CUHK and once at YMCA. Both times, the courses got cancelled because they didn't get enough student applications. So, in case you sign up anywhere, be ready for this to happen and don't be disappointed.

Feel free to PM me if you need study material. I have several different authors' works and would gladly hand them over to you! I'm learning Cantonese on an 'ongoing' basis by just practising with the locals and asking my husband/friends :banana:
 
Spokey and Mosmom : I've been thinking about taking a Canto course for myself. I have a few local friends but they speak English. It would be fun if I can speak a little. We Live in HK for 3,5 years but never have time. I have 1 yo son-- I cant leave him alone too long. Do you know where can I take a private Canto class?? where the teacher come to client residence?! Has anyone done this?! Thanks ladies.
 
I think the most effective way to learn language is from practical life. I wonder if you wish to take classes in more structural ways or chit chat with people. I am most willing to meet new friends and just email me [email protected] if you want to find sb speaking to you more in Cantonese or find ways how can I assist. I grow up in HK, working in international co. and I have a 4-mth old boy.
 
ewee, i'm sorry i don't know about private canto lessons. i just don't insist on the formal learning of the language any more.. and you're right, your local friends will simply speak english with you because they think they need to be nice and adjust to you (sigh..). if you're working, you might ask a local person at your workplace to give you private lessons. good luck!
 
my husband and i took classes at Berlitz at Pacific Place. we've been in hong kong a LONG time, and personally i felt it was great to take some classes to pick up on some main vocabulary and clarify some questions i've always had in my mind. it got cancelled due to lack of people, so we only took one term, but i felt it was totally worth it. i felt much more confident speaking after that. it was a few years ago, so i don't remember how much it cost. and i think they can arrange for a teacher to go to your place instead, if that's what you prefer.
 
I recommend hong kong language learning centre in wanchai at the emperor group building.

They do intensive/ private/ evening or daytime courses and usually don't cancel. The courses are 10 lessons of 2 hours but if there are only 2 people they do 8 lessons instead, and the hours are slightly variable. Usually 9-11, 11-1 or I think 2-4 every day and evening is 7-9 twice a week. They were really good, as 1 hour is speaking cantonese.

I only problem with daytime is finding time to go every day- but that is a good motivator as you forget less as far as I am concerned.

Hope that helps
 
been in HK for 4 years, understands Cantonese when it is not spoken like a hurricane.
But I tend not to speak the language these days (except to ask for the price when buying things) cos I got teased alot.. especially from my security guard who is about 70s in age? I thot I was nice by conversing in a lanaguage that he understands but he will always reply me in a sing song manner (something that he never does to my hubby).

I dont think I will ever master Cantonese fluently cos I dont have people that I can converse in Cantonese to on a daily basis but I am happy with picking up bits and pieces here and there.
 
Ewee
I'll ask my colleagues... the local teachers if they know of anyone and I'll PM you if they get back to me with someone's name.
 
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