The Department held its first Lunchtime Research Seminar of the new academic year on the 19th of September 2025. Dr. Rebekah Bale presented a brief introduction to Shakespeare in Fiction, focusing on three contemporary novels. 

 

The audience was also given two short, engaging passages to interpret in a workshop-style activity.

 

 

Dr. Chris Kwan introduced his latest research on forms of advice-giving in Hong Kong English textbooks. The audience was able to remember learning how to give advice in English through "should" phrases. 

 

 

However, Dr. Kwan showed how this is a limited approach and does not reflect fully how English speakers can navigate advice-giving. 

 

 

The lively Q and A that followed was testament to the pragmatic topic.

 

 

Jamie Tse, one of our MPhil students, organized a quiz at the end of the session for some seasonal mooncake prizes!

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to all who participated.

 

 

This departmental event was coordinated by Dr Jenny Wan, Dr Rebekah Bale and Jamie Tse. If you are interested in assisting department's events as a student helper, please email Dr. Jenny Wan at ynwan@hksyu.edu.