English language education in Hong Kong: A review of policy and practice

English language education in Hong Kong: A review of policy and practice

• Lau, Carrie The University of Hong Kong

Current Issues in Language Planning, 21(5), 457-474, 2020

Routledge

2020

• G Curriculum, Teaching & Learning: Specific Disciplines
  • GB English Language
• R Educational Policy & Administration

Language Policy Language Teaching Policy Implementation Post-Colonialism

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Unknown or Unspecified

This paper provides an overview of English language education policies and practices in Hong Kong. It examines changes and developments in policymaking and implementation across the education system. Based on a qualitative analysis of government documents and empirical studies, this review utilizes a sociocultural framework in characterizing language policy decision making processes and implementation strategies in colonial and post-colonial Hong Kong. Findings revealed a multilayered context within which English language education policies and practices are enacted, highlighting the interplay among political, social, economic and educational agendas in policy formulation and implementation. The incongruence between policy recommendations and actual classroom practices, as well as the relationship between government responsiveness and public preferences suggested the power and agency of multiple stakeholders (e.g. parents, teachers and community members) in the interpretation and appropriation of language education policies. This review provides additional insights to understanding the status of English against the backdrop of changing local conditions and to identifying forces of continuity and change in the development of language education policies and practices in Hong Kong. Implications for practice, policy and research are discussed. Copyright ©Routledge.

• English

Journal Articles

• 14664208

• 10.1080/14664208.2020.1741239

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/a3c327ba

2021-04-13