The language of power: the politics of translation between English and Chinese in early colonial Hong Kong

Although Chinese was not an official language in early colonial Hong Kong, translation between English and Chinese played a crucial role in daily life and politics. The first part of this article discusses the making of some important translated terms for government units and departments as well as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society 2023-01, Vol.33 (1), p.155-177
Main Author: Wong, Man Kong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
19th century
Activities of daily living
Chinese languages
Colonialism
Dictionaries
Government
Government agencies
History
Innovations
Legitimacy
Official languages
Politics
Social status
Term of office
Translation
Translations
Witnesses
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Although Chinese was not an official language in early colonial Hong Kong, translation between English and Chinese played a crucial role in daily life and politics. The first part of this article discusses the making of some important translated terms for government units and departments as well as foreign consulates in Hong Kong. In doing so, it accounts for different approaches in translation and lexical innovation, and their historical significance behind the making of newly translated terms. The second part of this article investigates salient features of the translation experiment initiated by Governor John Pope Hennessy (1834–1891; term of office: 1877–1882). The experiment aimed at strengthening the political legitimacy and colonial governability in Hong Kong. In return, the social standing of Chinese community leaders was duly recognised through their association with translation projects between English and Chinese, and the presentation of translated messages at important occasions hosted by Government House.
ISSN:1356-1863
2051-2066
1474-0591
DOI:10.1017/S1356186321000900