Globalization, universities and medium of instruction

Abstract

This article traces links between globalization, universities, and the languages of instruction. It makes links between ancient institutions using Latin to facilitate globalization and institutions today which use English for similar purposes. The article shows that globalization is linked tightly to both opportunity and to inequality, since language patterns reflect both the thought systems of native users as well as offer access to knowledge and communication networks for learners. In the light of the gigantic peripheries of China and India, the article discusses current disputes and ways to understand language of instruction at higher education level in the Asian context. © 2010 Elsevier ..