The teaching of English in Hong Kong from problems to solutions

Abstract

The issue concerning English education in Hong Kong has been a matter of much debate. This dissertation comprises two parts. Part I (Chapters 1-3) is a description of the problems and Part II (Chapters 4 and 5) a search for solutions. Chapter 1 gives a factual picture of the language problems and the responses of both the government and the public to them. Chapter 2 is a study of the linguistic situation in Hong Kong, having a discussion particularly about the nature of bilingual ism. Chapter 3 analyses the language learning difficulties and the actual needs of the learners. Chapter 4 is an attempt to solve the problem by locating the proper position of English learning in the language education of Hong Kong. Chapter 5 suggests a possible solution to maintain, and hopefully to improve the teaching quality, by adapting the communicative approach to the Hong Kong situation.