the standard and strengthening the status of the Chinese language
in the community, and amplifying its functions and importance in
the economic, cultural and social life of Hong Kong. The Chinese
Textbook Committee was set up on 9 May 1986. Its work, as the
Secretary for Education and Manpower described it, would be instrumental in achieving one of the major objectives envisaged in the report of the Working Party. While the Chinese Textbook Committee aims at promoting the use of Chinese
of Chinese on the basis of
school education, a Chinese Language Foundation would enable
comprehensive planning and co-ordination in the general promotion of the Chinese language, with a view to raising the standard of
Chinese in official business and in various popular forms of cultural pursuits of the people. This would subsequently enhance
further research and consultancy services in relation to the use
of Chinese. It is evident that the functions of a Chinese
Language Foundation cannot be replaced by the Chinese Textbook
Committee.
Sir, language is a social development of the human society. Its usage is closely related to the living pattern and conditions of a society. In fact, the use of Chinese in business
correspondence has given rise certain problems that require
immediate attention. There is indeed an urgent need for a
Chinese Language Foundation to deal with the problem. To be more specific, the issue has implications on the following aspects :-
(A) Social Aspects
-
The Government has taken the first step in
translating the law into Chinese and introducing bilingual legislation. All Government departments are
encouraged to use Chinese in official business.
Nonetheless, attention should be given to