Podcast helps young Hongkongers living abroad keep up their Cantonese skills

“Combining these two iconic characters into a story not only captures the humour of the meme but also highlights the beauty of East and West coming together,” said Suie, who is also known by her nickname, Story Swallow.

Her podcast began last April, and it is designed to help children aged six to 12 improve their Cantonese and learn about Hong Kong culture. Each episode includes Cantonese slang, riddles, original stories and world trivia.

“Growing up in Hong Kong, I was immersed in a mix of Chinese and Western traditions ... But after moving to Australia, I realised just how special and valuable this cultural blend is.”

She wanted to create something to connect Cantonese-speaking families around the world.

“I wanted to create something fun and engaging to help kids maintain their Cantonese,” she said. “Can children living abroad still find joy in Cantonese programmes that are made just for them?”

Before moving to Melbourne in 2022, Suie spent more than 10 years producing children’s theatre in Hong Kong.

After moving abroad, she still has a passion for storytelling. Suie has been trying to preserve her cultural heritage by reading Cantonese stories to children.

But Suie noticed that many immigrant children were struggling to keep up their Cantonese.

“At first, they still use Cantonese for simple daily conversations with family. But when it comes to expressing emotions ... or discussing complex ideas, they instinctively switch to English.”

When Suie looked for resources to help these kids hold onto their Cantonese, she did not find many tools to address the needs of older children.

That is where her podcast comes in.

“My goal is to create a dynamic show featuring a variety of Cantonese voices, so children can connect with the language in a way that feels both familiar and enriching,” she said.

Suie also gets her audience involved in the episodes. For a future episode about trains, she has invited young listeners to share about their favourite train stations and record themselves reading station announcements.

Immigrants from Hong Kong make books and tools to teach Cantonese to their kids

Suie’s podcast also aims to tell people about Hong Kong traditions that are disappearing.

“It’s about raising awareness ... Knowing is the first step in keeping Hong Kong’s heritage alive,” she said.

Her Lunar New Year episode will explore the Chinese almanac, which is called tong sheng. Based on ancient beliefs, this traditional guide offers advice on lucky and unlucky days for life events.

Another topic she wants to cover is Cheung Chau’s Floating Colour Parade. This is part of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Children dress as famous people and stand on structures that make it look like they are floating.

“My parents’ generation grew up in Cheung Chau, so I have a personal connection to the island,” she shared.

“I also want to tie this story back to the experiences of immigrant families, showing how traditions can adapt and travel with us.”

*Full name withheld at interviewee’s request

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