Options
The craze for English-medium education in China: Driving forces and looming consequences
Citation
Hu, G. (2009). The craze for English-medium education in China: Driving forces and looming consequences. English Today, 25(4), 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266078409990472
Author
Hu, Guangwei
Abstract
Although the organised promotion of English-medium instruction in contemporary China started only at the turn of this century, the use of English as a medium of instruction in China’s educational institutions has gathered great momentum in the last few years and is now sweeping across the educational landscape. Despite being exalted by the mainstream educational discourse as a highly commendable reform initiative and a cornerstone of quality education, the spread of English-medium instruction has given rise to many thorny issues that deserve serious attention. Drawing on Bourdieu’s sociological theory, this paper presents a critical review of the reform initiative. It examines the driving forces behind the runaway expansion of English-medium instruction and analyses the implications and consequences of such instruction for mainland China.
Date Issued
2009
Journal
English Today
DOI
10.1017/S0266078409990472