key term - English-medium education

Definition

English-medium education refers to a system of instruction where the primary language of teaching and learning is English. This approach has significant implications for students, especially in contexts where other languages, like 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, are also present. It can lead to a prioritization of English language skills while potentially marginalizing native languages and cultures, which is particularly relevant in discussions about the preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian language and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. English-medium education can create barriers for students who are more proficient in their native languages, impacting their academic performance and self-esteem.
2. The introduction of English-medium instruction in Hawaii was part of a broader colonization process that marginalized 'Ōlelo Hawai'i and contributed to its decline.
3. Students in English-medium education may miss out on cultural teachings that are often embedded in their native languages, which can affect their connection to their heritage.
4. While English is important for global communication, an overemphasis on it in education can lead to the erosion of local languages and cultures.
5. Efforts to integrate 'Ōlelo Hawai'i into educational curricula aim to counterbalance the dominance of English-medium education and support Hawaiian cultural identity.

Review Questions

• How does English-medium education impact students' relationship with their native language and culture?
  • English-medium education can significantly affect students' connections to their native language and culture by promoting English as the dominant language of learning. This may lead to decreased proficiency in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i among students, resulting in a loss of cultural knowledge that is often transmitted through language. The marginalization of native languages in educational settings can create feelings of disconnection from one's heritage and identity.
• What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing bilingual education programs in Hawaii?
  • Implementing bilingual education programs in Hawaii can provide several benefits, such as promoting fluency in both 'Ōlelo Hawai'i and English, enhancing students' cultural awareness, and fostering pride in their heritage. However, challenges include ensuring adequate resources for teaching staff trained in both languages and addressing the societal pressures that prioritize English. Balancing these factors is crucial for creating an effective bilingual educational environment that respects both languages.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of prioritizing English-medium education over 'Ōlelo Hawai'i for future generations in Hawaii.
  • Prioritizing English-medium education over 'Ōlelo Hawai'i may lead to long-term consequences such as further erosion of the Hawaiian language and culture among future generations. This could result in diminished cultural identity, loss of traditional knowledge, and weakened community ties as younger individuals may struggle to connect with their heritage. Moreover, the prevalence of English could perpetuate a cycle of linguistic and cultural domination, impacting the overall social fabric of Hawaii.

Related terms

'Ōlelo Hawai'i:

'Ōlelo Hawai'i is the Hawaiian language, which holds deep cultural significance and is an integral part of Hawaiian identity and heritage.

Language revitalization: Language revitalization is the process of promoting and increasing the use of a language that is at risk of falling out of use, often focusing on education and community engagement.

Bilingual education: Bilingual education is an instructional approach that uses two languages for teaching, promoting fluency in both the native language and a second language, typically English.