Sessional_Paper_1931 — Page 152

141

· M

These facts are emphasized by Table 33. The percentage is small when we include children from 5 to 10 years of age; it increases when all under 11 are exclud- ed; sometimes it increases again when all under 16 are excluded, and it is usually lower when only adults of 21 and over are considered. This shows that the younger generation is acquiring a better knowledge of their Mother Tongue than their parents were able to do.

The above remarks have dealt mainly with Chinese males of the urban districts; they apply with equal force to Chinese females in these areas. Of adults aged 21 and over only 18.10% can read and write; if the young women from 16 to 20 years of age are included, the percentage rises to 21.13, and if the younger generation from 11 onwards is also brought into review, the percentage is increased to 23.33.

In the New Territories, on the other hand, the males do not appear to be keep- ing up their previous standard. There are so many factors, however, which might bring about an increase in the percentage as regards adults only that this may not be a fair inference. It seems clear that, if the percentage decreases when we exclude the younger generation, these younger people have achieved a higher state of educa- tion than their elders. But the contrary is not necessarily true, as a rise in the per- centage may simply mean delay in acquiring education or an influx of educated adults.

Women in the New Territories remain largely illiterate though there is a distinct improvement since 1921.

What has been written as regards the New Territories applies also to those living afloat. The figures for 1921 were considered to be erroneous by the Census Officer at that time, and it would appear that his surmise was correct. Again, however, there is an advance as regards the younger generation.

(ii) Ability among the Chinese to speak English and

(iii) Ability to read and write English.

The percentages here are surprisingly small. But again there appears to be a distinct improvement in the earlier years and more young people are acquiring a knowledge of English than in the past.

(2) The non-Chinese races.

There is little scope for comment as regards the figures given for the non- Chinese races. The percentages of those who claim to be able to read and write their Mother Tongue are high in all cases except among the Indians and the Japanese. where the percentages for females are especially low. Ability to speak English and to read and write English is considerable, except in the case of these two races and among the females of the mixed group of "Other" races.