Discuss the arguments for and against English medium education for people whose first language is not English.

Discuss the arguments for and against English medium education for people whose first language is not English

Introduction

In an English medium education system, English is used as a primary medium of instruction especially in outer circle countries like Malaysia, India, South Africa and several European countries as well where the mother tongue of the natives is not English. The medium of instruction holds a very important position at each and every level of education i.e. from primary to university level (Hann, 2012). However, there has been a never ending debate in countries where English is not the first language that whether the medium of education ought to be the regional language of that country or the globally recognized English language (Ellis, 1994). Thus, there are advantages and disadvantages of both the options. While English is imperative for an individual when he/she grows up and enters into a professional life, regional language, on the other hand has a benefit of being understood easily which helps the students in grabbing the accurate information and comprehend better. Educationists from all over the world have debated this subject but to no tangible outcome.

Discussion

Arguments for and against English Medium Education for People whose First Language is not English

As mentioned above this has been a heated debate around the world at present. Neither the pro regional language team nor the pro English language team has been able to raise an argument that can prove their case without any doubts. People who believe that English medium education is beneficial argue that English is a global language and so, if the government is implying English medium of instruction in the schools, colleges and universities, it is actually providing the students an outstanding advantage in the global market (Hewings, 2012). On the contrary, the argument of the people who believe that education should be provided in the regional language is that students will be cognitively spoiled if they are forced to study in a language that they do not comprehend. The arguments from both sides make reasonable sense and initially, there appears to be no apparent route to take. It is extremely clear that if the future students use English as the medium of instruction, their communication skills will be affected. However, research has proved that if successfully implemented English medium education can certainly build a generation that is capable enough to compete in the global market (Ellis, 1994).

Pros of English Medium education

Getting education in English language is important since 80% of the information stored in computer is available in English as it is the major language on the internet. In addition to this, more than 50% of the scientific journals in the world are in English. Thus, providing and acquiring English medium education is significant. It has turn out to be the foremost approach to get around, the major way to get things done, the primary way of doing business with a foreign country ...