Policy development for English medium instruction at a Nepali University: Unpacking hidden motivations and agendas

This chapter reports on the perceived beliefs of some lecturers regarding English as a medium of instruction (EMI) policy creation and enactment at a university in Nepal. The analysis of interviews with the lecturers revealed their motivations for promoting EMI embedded in their expectation to globally recognized qualifications and equip graduates with English proficiency for global job opportunities, study abroad, and economic benefits. The findings indicate that the university's adoption of the EMI policy is not necessarily developed in response to the local realities but is rather guided by neoliberal ideologies and motivations. The lecturers seem to choose “profit” (securing international jobs and study abroad opportunities) over “pride” (local culture, knowledge, and identity). Hence, it appears that the EMI policy is likely to cause English to displace Nepali and other local languages from higher education and perpetuate the English-only hegemonic ideology. Copyright © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Pramod K. Sah and Fan Fang; individual chapters, the contributors.