Page:Official Languages Ordinance 1974 (Cap. 5).pdf/1

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HONG KONG

Rh An Ordinance to provide for the official languages of Hong Kong, and for their status and use. [15th February, 1974] Enacted by the Governor of Hong Kong, with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof.

1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Official Languages Ordinance 1974.

2. In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires—

“court” means any court, and also means any board, tribunal or person having by law the power to hear, receive and examine evidence on oath.

3. (1) The English and Chinese languages are declared to be the official languages of Hong Kong for the purposes of communication between the Government or any public officer and members of the public.

(2) The official languages possess equal status and, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, enjoy equality of use for the purposes set out in subsection (1).

4. (1) Every Ordinance shall be enacted and published in the English language.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall be construed as restricting—
 * (a) the use of Chinese words or terms in any Ordinance; or
 * (b) the publication of a translation of any Ordinance into the Chinese language.

5. (1) The proceedings in any court specified in the Schedule may be conducted in either the English language or the Chinese language as the court thinks fit.