Sunday Soundscapes: Foreign Domestic Helpers' Acoustic Contributions to Hong Kong's Public Spaces

This study investigates the impact of foreign domestic helpers (FDH) on Hong Kong's urban soundscape, focusing on their weekly Sunday gatherings in public spaces. With over 400,000 FDH working and living in Hong Kong their presence significantly influences the city's social fabric. While extensive research exists on FDH' use of public spaces and related policy issues, the ways in which they contribute to urban soundscapes, and what the soundscape means to them, remains understudied. The research extends beyond traditional interpretations of "voice" as a political metaphor for minority groups. We examine the acoustic environment created by FDH gatherings in pedestrian footbridges and parks. Building on soundscape research, especially sensewalk methods, this study employs comparative analysis of weekday and Sunday soundscapes through on-site interviews and measurement. It explores how FDH create a distinctive acoustic environment and examines how the public perceives them. The findings contribute to understanding inclusive urban soundscape planning while revealing the complex social and cultural dynamics of public spaces. Additionally, the study considers how soundscape diversity potentially enhances Hong Kong's tourism appeal, offering a new perspective on the intersection of social inclusion, urban planning, and tourism development. © 2025 First author et al.