Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 1998

Foreword T he Chinese University is the f i r s t university in Hong Kong to use Chinese as a medium of instruction. Since its founding in 1963 it has insisted on bilingualism in education with equal emphasis given to Chinese and English, and has nurtured a lot of talent steeped in both Chinese and Western cultures. Following the introduction of compulsory education in Hong Kong and the vast expansion in university places in the early 1990s, however, the average language standard of local students has been on the gradual decline. It has been the case not only in primary and secondary schools; in recent years the effect has also been felt in the language standard of university intakes. Under such a climate, how can the University maintain its bilingual tradition? After the reversion of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty, what contribution has the University made towards bilingual education and the promotion of putonghua? What follows is an introduction to language education at The Chinese University, with special reference to policy, curricula, facilities, and services. Dr. C.M. Li Prof. Ma Lin Th i r t y - f i ve Years of B i l i ngua l Educat ion A l l the vice-chancellors, past and present, have upheld bilingualism as the basis of the University's language policy. For 35 years, the importance of mastery of both languages has been emphasized. D r . C M . L i : Central to the philosophy of this university, wh i ch is committed to the integration of Chinese and Western cultures, is the conviction that effective bilingualism s h o u l d be c u l t i v a t e d. Established as a 'Chinese u n i v e r s i t y ' , this u n i v e r s i t y n a t u r a l ly makes the promotion of Chinese studies its continuin g concern, but it never loses sight of its larger mission of bringing East and West closer together. Students are expected to draw u p on both cultures an d to contribute t o both, an d a competent c omma nd o f the Chinese a nd Eng l i sh languages is the indispensable first step. Extract from Vice-Chancellor's Report, 1970-74 P r o f . M a L i n : I believe that language is not merely a me d i um of expression; it is also a reflection of one's knowledge, judgment, and capacity fo r rational thinking. Hence, the U n i v e r s i t y w i l l c o n t i n ue to retai n a n d to stress bilingualism as a basic requirement. Extract from Prof. Ma Lin's address at his installation as vice-chancellor of the University on 2nd October 1978