Courses › Fluency › Debating Issues
B2 · Lesson 1

Debating Issues

辯論議題
What you will learn

Develop advanced argumentation skills in Cantonese. Learn to build structured arguments, counter opposing views, use rhetorical questions, and navigate heated discussions with nuance and sophistication.

Dialogue

Conversation

A
你覺得AI會唔會取代大部分人類嘅工作？
Do you think AI will replace most human jobs?
B
我認為一定會，只不過係時間問題。歷史上每次科技革命都會淘汰舊工種。
I believe it definitely will, it is just a matter of time. Every technological revolution in history has eliminated old types of jobs.
A
但係你唔覺得新科技同時會創造新嘅就業機會咩？
But don you think new technology simultaneously creates new job opportunities?
B
呢個論點有道理，不過今次嘅變化速度快到社會未必跟得上。
That argument has merit, but this time the pace of change may be too fast for society to keep up.
A
換個角度嚟睇，與其擔心AI搶飯碗，不如諗下點樣利用AI提升自己。
Looking at it from another angle, rather than worrying about AI stealing jobs, why not think about how to use AI to improve yourself?
B
理論上冇錯，但係你要考慮到唔係每個人都有能力轉型。
In theory you are right, but you have to consider that not everyone has the ability to transition.
A
所以政府同企業都有責任提供再培訓嘅機會，你唔覺得咩？
So the government and businesses have a responsibility to provide retraining opportunities, don you think?
B
呢點我完全同意。始終科技發展唔應該犧牲基層市民嘅生計。
I completely agree on that point. After all, technological development should not sacrifice the livelihoods of grassroots citizens.
Vocabulary

Key Words & Phrases

取代
replace
淘汰
eliminate / phase out
論點
argument / point
道理
reason / logic
變化
change / transformation
速度
speed / pace
轉型
transition / transform
培訓
training
犧牲
sacrifice
基層
grassroots / working class
生計
livelihood
就業
employment
Grammar

Language Patterns

與其 A 不如 B (rather than A, better to B)

與其 (jyu5 kei4)...不如 (bat1 jyu4) presents a preferred alternative. "Rather than doing A, it is better to do B." More formal and sophisticated than 寧願.
與其投訴不如自己做。
jyu5 kei4 tau4 sou3 bat1 jyu4 zi6 gei2 zou6.
Rather than complaining, better to do it yourself.
與其等不如主動出擊。
jyu5 kei4 dang2 bat1 jyu4 zyu2 dung6 ceot1 gik1.
Rather than waiting, better to take the initiative.

換個角度嚟睇 (looking at it from another angle)

A sophisticated discourse marker to introduce an alternative perspective. Shows maturity in argumentation and willingness to consider other viewpoints.
換個角度嚟睇，失敗都係一種學習。
wun6 go3 gok3 dou6 lai4 tai2, sat1 baai6 dou1 hai6 jat1 zung2 hok6 zaap6.
From another angle, failure is also a form of learning.
換個角度嚟睇，佢嘅做法都有道理。
wun6 go3 gok3 dou6 lai4 tai2, keoi5 ge3 zou6 faat3 dou1 jau5 dou6 lei5.
From another perspective, his approach also makes sense.

你唔覺得...咩？ (rhetorical question for emphasis)

你唔覺得...咩 (nei5 m4 gok3 dak1...me1) is a rhetorical question meaning "don you think...?" Used to challenge the listener or strengthen your point persuasively.
你唔覺得太遲咩？
nei5 m4 gok3 dak1 taai3 ci4 me1?
Don you think it is too late?
你唔覺得呢個好唔公平咩？
nei5 m4 gok3 dak1 ni1 go3 hou2 m4 gung1 ping4 me1?
Don you think this is very unfair?

始終 (after all / at the end of the day)

始終 (ci2 zung1) means "after all" or "ultimately". It introduces a fundamental truth or overriding consideration that should not be forgotten.
始終健康最重要。
ci2 zung1 gin6 hong1 zeoi3 zung6 jiu3.
After all, health is the most important.
始終佢係你老闆。
ci2 zung1 keoi5 hai6 nei5 lou5 baan2.
At the end of the day, he is your boss.
Practice

Test Your Knowledge

Fill_blank · Question 1
___ 擔心不如諗辦法解決。 (rather than)
  • 與其
  • 因為
  • 雖然
  • 不過
Answer
與其
Translate · Question 2
This argument has merit, but the pace of change is too fast.
Answer
呢個論點有道理，不過變化速度太快。
Choice · Question 3
What does 始終 mean in a debate context?
  • after all / ultimately
  • at the beginning
  • sometimes
  • suddenly
Answer
after all / ultimately
Fill_blank · Question 4
科技發展唔應該 ___ 基層市民嘅生計。 (sacrifice)
  • 犧牲
  • 取代
  • 淘汰
  • 培訓
Answer
犧牲
Translate · Question 5
Don you think the government has a responsibility to provide retraining?
Answer
你唔覺得政府有責任提供再培訓咩？

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