Teaching science and technology in English: a case study of the language-in-education policy in Malaysia

Abstract

This case study examines the revival of English as the language of the science and technology education system in Malaysia. This language-in-education policy was initiated in 1993 at the tertiary level, and extended to the primary and secondary levels in 2003. We elucidate factors behind the policy by reviewing the relevant literature and documents dating from the colonial period to the present. Our findings show that several factors influenced the policy decision to teach science and technology in English. The most prominent factor is globalization - a multifaceted phenomenon that has affected not only business but also education. In the increasingly globalized knowledge economy, English has become the lingua franca of business. In science and technology, moreover, English has become the dominant language for communication. Science education overlaps both business and education as corporate research and development and higher education have been globalized. Also, the Malaysian business sector prefers to recruit young people fluent in English, as their operations have globalized. The language-in-education policy also has implications for cultural and ethnic policies in Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society.