This project uses sociocultural discourse analysis to explore the description and performance of queer identities in Hong Kong universities, both on institutional and everyday levels. It investigates the interplay of ideology and social and linguistic practice by comparing the language used by institutions with the ways queer identities are articulated and negotiated in everyday life.



Themes of diversity in general, and queer identity in particular, pertain to key contemporary social debates in Hong Kong, as elsewhere, and close analysis of language can elucidate the multifaceted nature of associated ideological influences. For example, Hong Kong features an especially complex matrix of influential value systems, ranging from the broadly cosmopolitan to the broadly traditional. The salience of notions of ‘Chinese culture’ tends to correspond to a prominence of relatively traditional, Confucian ideology and conservative Christian influence is also prominent. In contrast, its distinctly globalised outlook as ‘Asia’s world city’ reflects its history as a fundamentally internationalised site and its association with cosmopolitanism. Against this backdrop, recent legislation and institutional policy which mandates greater inclusion in institutions has also become influential. As a result, language and practice related to diversity is proliferating in universities and other institutions. However, recognising and promoting diversity is complex, because it means not only serving the needs of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, but also demonstrating institutions’ international reach and global perspective. The ideological intersections underlying these issues pertain to both politicised debates and everyday interactions in contemporary ‘cosmopolitan, Confucian, Christian’ Hong Kong, and both individual and institutional responses are inevitably diverse.



Using sociocultural discourse analysis, the project will investigate related language use with a view to mapping the discursive construction of sexuality and gender in contemporary Hong Kong university contexts. Specifically, the language and practice of staff, students and other stakeholders will be closely examined, with a view to charting the sociolinguistic navigation of associated ideological complexities.