Cantonese teaching in schools 'killing' students: adviser

Saturday, April 1, 2000

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The use of Cantonese as the medium of instruction is "killing" students, a top education adviser said yesterday.

"The existing of the medium of instruction has to face a complete shake-up," said Professor Cheng Kai-ming, pro vice-chancellor of the University of Hong Kong.

"Cantonese can never be the principal language at schools. No other place in the world would use a as the medium of instruction. It is killing [the students]," said Professor Cheng, an Education Commission member.

Banker Antony Leung Kam-chung, the top education appointed by the Government, the call.

"I understand that children in very low forms should learn in their tongue," said Mr Leung, an executive councillor and Education Commission chairman.

"But for the sector, English is important. Also, with business on the mainland, it's not possible to go without Putonghua."

Public-funded schools should consider going independent to the , Mr Leung added.

The two education advisers suggested Putonghua be used in classes and a wide range of foreign languages be taught as this was not happening in Hong Kong schools.

Both from speaking in their capacity with the Education Commission and that the medium of instruction was not on the formal .

In September 1998, more than 400 secondary schools were ordered to teach in Cantonese, with 114 granted to continue teaching in English with Education Department .

Copyright © 1999 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Reproduced with permission.

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