Hong Kong’s bilingual past and present

This study focuses on a recent change of language policy in education which is marked by a shift from English Medium Instruction (EMI) to Chinese Medium Instruction (CMI) in Hong Kong’s secondary schools after its sovereignty return to PRC in 1997. It explores the current medium of instruction (MOI) policy which, considered by many a politically motivated departure from the past, is a continuation of the past bilingual policies to balance contending socio-political, educational interests. This policy change on the one hand has addressed the long standing problem of Hong Kong students’ low academic performance in EMI schools, and on the other has caused problems such as lower bilingual attainment at Hong Kong secondary schools and fewer secondary school graduates who are able to meet the English standard for Hong Kong universities. This change derives an impact on a gradual change of English medium of instruction at Hong Kong’s universities. Copyright © 2000 International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies.