The Routledge International Handbook of Language Education Policy in Asia

This handbook provides a comprehensive survey of language education policies in Asia, covering 30 countries and examining their implementation and impact. It offers a historical overview of languages in use and policies, examines ideologies, and discusses debates and controversies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This essential handbook provides a thorough examination of the field. It reviews the language education policies of Asia, encompassing 30 countries subdivided by regions, namely East, Southeast, South, and Central Asia, and assesses the extent to which these policies are being implemented and their impact. The most recent iteration of language education policies in each country is described, and the potential consequences of any changes are critically examined. Each country chapter offers a historical overview of the languages in use and language education policies, examines the ideologies underpinning language choices, and discusses the debates and controversies surrounding language and language education policies. The book concludes with predictions for the future.

Introduction:
Language education policies play a crucial role in shaping the linguistic landscape of countries across Asia. These policies determine the languages taught in schools, the teaching methodologies employed, and the overall goals and objectives of language education. In this handbook, we will explore the language education policies of Asia, focusing on the East, Southeast, South, and Central Asia regions.
Review of Language Education Policies in Asia:
East Asia:
East Asia is home to a diverse range of languages and cultures, with China, Japan, and Korea being the most populous countries. The language education policies in East Asia vary widely across countries, with some emphasizing the teaching of Chinese Mandarin as a national language and others promoting the use of native languages. In Japan, for example, Japanese is taught as the primary language in schools, while Korean is also taught as a mandatory language. In China, both Chinese Mandarin and English are taught as national languages, with English being increasingly popular as a foreign language.
Southeast Asia:
Southeast Asia is characterized by a high degree of linguistic diversity, with languages such as Indonesian, Malay, Thai, and Vietnamese being widely spoken. The language education policies in Southeast Asia also vary widely, with some countries prioritizing the teaching of native languages, while others promote the learning of English as a global language. In Indonesia, for example, Indonesian is taught as the primary language in schools, while English is also taught as a mandatory language. In Malaysia, English is the official language, and Malay is the national language, with English being taught as a second language.
South Asia:
South Asia is home to a vast number of languages and cultures, with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka being the most populous countries. The language education policies in South Asia also vary widely, with some countries emphasizing the teaching of Hindi and Urdu as national languages, while others promote the use of English as a global language. In India, for example, Hindi and English are taught as national languages, with English being increasingly popular as a foreign language. In Pakistan, English is the official language, and Urdu is the national language, with English being taught as a second language.
Central Asia:
Central Asia is home to a diverse range of languages and cultures, with languages such as Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek being widely spoken. The language education policies in Central Asia also vary widely, with some countries prioritizing the teaching of native languages, while others promote the learning of Russian as a global language. In Kazakhstan, for example, Kazakh and Russian are taught as national languages, with Russian being the dominant language. In Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz and Russian are taught as national languages, with Russian being the dominant language.
Implementation and Impact of Language Education Policies:
The implementation of language education policies varies widely across countries in Asia. While some policies are well-developed and implemented effectively, others face challenges such as limited resources, lack of trained teachers, and resistance from local communities. The impact of language education policies on language learning and language use varies depending on the context and the specific policies in place. In some cases, language education policies have led to increased language proficiency and cultural understanding, while in others, they have contributed to language loss and cultural marginalization.
Debates and Controversies Surrounding Language and Language Education Policies:
Language and language education policies are often the subject of debates and controversies in Asia. These debates revolve around issues such as language choice, language preservation, language revitalization, and language rights. Language choice refers to the decision of which language(s) to teach in schools, while language preservation refers to the efforts to protect and promote endangered languages. Language revitalization refers to the efforts to revive and promote languages that are in decline, while language rights refer to the rights of speakers of minority languages to access education and other services in their native languages.
Predictions for the Future:
As Asia continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that language education policies will continue to be a significant issue. The future of language education policies in Asia will depend on a range of factors, including economic development, political stability, and cultural values. Some predictions for the future include:

• Increased emphasis on language proficiency and cultural understanding: As Asia becomes more interconnected, there will be increased emphasis on language proficiency and cultural understanding. This will lead to the teaching of more languages and the promotion of cultural exchange programs.
  
• Greater diversity in language education policies: As countries in Asia become more diverse, there will be greater diversity in language education policies. This will lead to the recognition and promotion of minority languages and the development of more inclusive language education policies.
  
• Technological advancements in language education: Technological advancements in language education, such as online learning platforms and language apps, will continue to play a significant role in language learning and language promotion.
  
• Increased investment in language education: As countries in Asia invest in education, there will be increased investment in language education. This will lead to the development of more effective language education policies and the improvement of language learning resources.
  

Weight: 920g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338460