International Mother Language Day: Celebrating Hong Kong’s Diversity

In the words of Virginia Woolf, “Language is wine upon the lips”!

The 21st of February each year marks International Mother Language Day. The UN has been marking this occasion ever since 2000, to promote the number of languages spoken across the world and to highlight the importance of diversity and multilingualism. This got us thinking about how lucky we are to live in a city as multicultural as Hong Kong, which is home to 7.5 million people, with an expat population of more than 35,000. There are lots of nationalities residing here, with Cantonese, Mandarin, English, French, Spanish, Tagalog, Bahasa and Hindi among the many languages you may hear being spoken around the 852.

So this International Mother Language Day, we decided to catch up with some Sassy Mamas (of different nationalities), who have set up successful businesses in Hong Kong, to find out what exactly it is they love about this city and why it’s such a special place for them and their offspring to call home!

Special thanks to:

Larvina Wong, Founder of Igloo Dessert Bar
Maura Thompson, Co-founder of Sassy Media Group
Asmita Bharadwaj Das, Founder of One Wholesome Meal
Anita Shum, Founder of Mini Mandarins
Nerice Gietel, Founder of The Career Lounge

Read more: Mandarin Lessons For Kids In Hong Kong: Chinese Classes, Playgroups And Tutors