Letters | Hong Kong schools must realise English is a foreign language

Readers discuss the current assumptions about language learning, why senior secondary students should still study grammar, and government intervention in the HKU row

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A sign reads in Chinese “Please take your temperature” as students wait to take the DSE English exam at a school in North Point in 2023. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 11:30am, 20 Jun 2024Updated: 5:13pm, 26 Jun 2024

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I agree with your correspondent that the local curriculum’s lack of proper emphasis on, and quality training in, grammar has contributed to the disappointing English standard observed in Hong Kong (“Teach grammar properly for solid foundation in English”, June 13).

Since the implementation of the senior secondary curriculum in 2009, the approach of English instruction has generally shifted from grammar translation to communicative language teaching.

Rather than focus on grammatical correctness through the memorisation of grammar rules and vocabulary, communicative language teaching aims to develop learners’ competence in using English appropriately and effectively in different social contexts. Instead of practising language structures, students are to exchange information and ideas through authentic, meaningful communication.

Grammar is no longer a set of rules to be instilled in students. Rather, they are expected to come to grips with grammatical patterns themselves in communicative context. Teachers are not primary transmitters of knowledge any more, but guides who assist students in task-based activities.

However, English is a foreign language, rather than a second language, in Hong Kong. Students’ needs may be different. Many students do not have a sufficient English learning environment around them, and may have many questions about structures and vocabulary. It would indeed be necessary for teachers to have more control over language input. The exclusive use of English for classroom instruction and activities may not be effective, which has long been argued in local English language education circles.