ENG-1989 — Page 57

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CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

government reports and publications of public interest are available in both languages. Cantonese (the Guangzhou dialect) is commonly spoken by the majority of the local Chinese population while interest in learning to speak Putonghua (Mandarin) is gaining momentum as closer ties with China are being developed. Simultaneous interpretation is provided at meetings of the Legislative Council, Urban Council, Regional Council, District Boards and other government boards and committees where English and Cantonese are used. A Bilingual Laws Advisory Committee was set up in October 1988 and the first bilingual legislation enacted in April 1989.

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