CUHK
News Centre

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted a key event of its Diversity & Inclusion Festival 2024/25 yesterday (24 March) – a screening of the film “The Way We Talk”, together with a conversation about the issues it raises. Nearly 1,000 students, staff and alumni attended, engaging in an enthusiastic dialogue with the guest speakers, and reflecting the CUHK community’s deep interest in fostering understanding of the deaf community and advancing diversity and inclusion.

“The Way We Talk” explores sign language and deaf identity, and includes scenes filmed on CUHK campus. The screening and conversation aimed to enhance understanding of deaf culture and identity, encouraging attendees to reflect on how collective effort can build a more inclusive community. The event began with an interactive ceremony officiated at by Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President; Mr Adam Wong, the film director and CUHK alumnus; Mr Marco Ng, the leading actor; and Ms Cecilia Ho, the President of the Lee Hysan Foundation; alongside other distinguished guests. Guided by two CUHK deaf alumni who are sign language instructors, the group joined the University’s Diversity & Inclusion Ambassadors and the audience in signing “CUHK Supports Diversity and Inclusion” – a symbolic start to the event.

In his opening remarks, Professor Lo said: “The introduction of the Diversity and Inclusion Policy in 2020 reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture. We ensure all members can thrive and reach their full potential in an open and respectful environment. We have enhanced various support services, including those for students with special needs, and promoted family-friendly workplace initiatives for women and members with diverse family roles. We also encourage students to serve as Diversity and Inclusion Ambassadors who, through training and activities, engage with different communities and spread the message of inclusion.”

CUHK has been a pioneer in sign language research since starting to work on the subject in 1993. It established the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies (CSLDS) in 2003, focusing on interdisciplinary sign language research and professional training to connect deaf and hearing communities. Today, CUHK is a regional hub for sign language linguistics.

After the screening, Professor Gladys Tang, Director of CSLDS, moderated a lively discussion with Mr Wong, Mr Ng and the leading actress Miss Chung Suet-ying. The speakers shared behind-the-scenes insights, acting experiences and perspectives on deaf culture and community, in response to enthusiastic and thoughtful questions from the audience.

CUHK extends its gratitude to One Cool Group Limited for the screening rights and to the Lee Hysan Foundation for its support since 2006 of deaf education through the Sign Bilingual Education Programme. CUHK will continue to drive meaningful conversations on campus that encourage positive social change.