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Abstract
This study investigates which language medium would promote general educational development and English language ability among Hong Kong students. Questionnaires were issued to three groups: University students, Extramural students, and those who had not taken English classes since leaving Form 5.
Given a choice between (1) Chinese, (2) English and (3) a bilingual medium of instruction, the majority chose bilingualism. Four proposals ('models’ for implementing language policy) were presented to the subjects. The model favouring the use of Chinese in Form 1 and a gradual change to English from From 2 onwards was chosen as the most hopeful. Suprisingly, the least popular model reflected, in fact, current practice: the principals decide which subjects are taught in English or Chinese from Form 1 onwards. With China's takeover of Hong Kong in 1997, and with pressure from educationists for Chinese medium, careful planning is necessary on language matters. More information of the kind obtained in this study will be needed to foster better language planning and decision making.