Hong Kong’s offi cial languages are Chinese and English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken
Chinese dialect here. Many businesspeople speak English, oft en quite well. However, it may
occasionally be useful to have an interpreter. To avoid off ending the other side, ask beforehand
whether an interpreter should be present at a meeting. When communicating in English, speak in
short, simple sentences and avoid using slang and jargon.
Businesspeople in Hong Kong usually speak in quiet, gentle tones. Conversations may occasionally
include extended periods of silence. This does not necessarily convey a negative message. At times,
Hong Kong Chinese people talking among themselves may appear emotional, but this would be
misleading. To the contrary, emotional restraint is held in high esteem. At restaurants, especially
those used for business lunches and dinners, keep conversations at a quiet level. Loud and boisterous
behavior is perceived as a lack of self-control. People generally converse while standing around
two to three feet apart.
Because the concept of ‘saving face’ is so important in this culture, communication is generally very
indirect. When responding to a direct question, Hong Kong Chinese may answer ‘yes’ only to signal
that they heard what you said, not that they agree with it. Open disagreement should be avoided
and any kind of direct confrontation is discouraged. People rarely respond to a question or request
with a direct ‘no.’ Instead, they may give seemingly ambiguous answers such as ‘I am not sure,’
‘we will think about it,’ or ‘this will require further investigation.’ Each of these could mean ‘no.’ It
is benefi cial to use a similarly indirect approach when dealing with Hong Kong Chinese, as they
may perceive you as rude and pushy if you are too direct. Only a person with whom you have no
relationship yet may occasionally give you a straight ‘no.’ This is a bad sign since it could mean that
your counterpart is not interested in engaging in business with you. If you have to convey bad news
to the Chinese side, a face-saving way is to use a third party instead of communicating it yourself.
Gestures can be very subtle in Hong Kong. Non-verbal communication is important, though, and
you should carefully watch for others’ small hints, just as they will be watching you. Avoid touching
other people except for handshakes. When pointing at people or objects, use your open hand rather
than a fi nger. When referring to themselves, people put an index fi nger on their nose rather than
pointing at their chest as Westerners do. Eye contact should be infrequent. While it is benefi cial to
make some eye contact when meeting a person for the fi rst time, the Hong Kong Chinese consider
frequent eye contact intrusive and rude.
Do not take off ense in Hong Kong businesspeople answering their mobile phones all the time, even
in the middle of important discussions. In this polychronic culture, interrupting one conversation
to have another one and then coming back to the fi rst one is perfectly acceptable. It is not a sign of
disrespect.