Presenting Hybridity: Hong Kongese in Koon-chung Chan’s Hong Kong Trilogy

Abstract

This dissertation examines the characteristics, such as inclusivity, dynamism, creativity and otherness, of hybridity in the Hong Kong Trilogy written by Koon-chung Chan. He states clearly that hybridity does not simply mean a mixture and shallow exchange of cultures that exists in Hong Kong. Chan believes that it innovates a local culture with Hong Kong as the mainstay and it consolidates the identity of Hong Kongese by clearing the differences between Hong Kongese and the people in the neighbouring areas. The concern and the pursuit for identity of the Hong Kongese is a contemporary occurrence in Hong Kong society and academia. Due to Hong Kong's colonial background, Hong Kongese cannot avoid the effects of both Chinese and colonial cultures that have affected and will continually affect them in the post-colonial period. Hybridity provides a postcolonial perspective to assess the behaviours and thoughts of the protagonists and their relationship with their society in the stories. The protagonists show a 'so far yet so close' relationship between Hong Kong and themselves. The complexities of how they give themselves an identity intertwine with their relationship with their families and community.