Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 2002

Bilingual Approach Dr. Choh-Ming Li The Emerging University 1970-1974 ‘ Central to the philosophy of this university, which is committed to the integration of Chinese and Western cultures, is the conviction that effective bilingualism should be cultivated. ... Students are expected to draw upon both cultures and to contribute to both, and a competent command of the Chinese and English languages is the indispensable first step....’ Prof. Ma Lin ‘Chinese Heritage and International Outlook', speech at the 22nd Congregation for the Conferment of Honorary Degrees and Other Degrees on 11th December 1980 ‘... in a cosmopolitan city like Hong Kong, there can be no doubt as to the importance of the English language. It is therefore a University policy to adopt a bilingual approach in its teaching programmes, so as to broaden the horizon of our young people, and to free them from the confines of any single language, or any one culture. It is an approach which would enable the University to pursue vigorously its mission of inculcating a synthesis between Eastern and Western cultures. ...’ Prof. Charles K. Kao Vice-Chancellor's Report 1990-93 ‘ Since its inception 30 years ago, the University has undertaken to extend knowledge with a bilingual and bicultural approach, and has tried to realize such an objective in all subject areas. This has given us an enormous advantage in meeting one of the most important challenges in tertiary education: the need to train high-quality manpower to be the natural bridges between the East and the West.’ Prof. Arthur K.C. Li Inaugural speech as new vice-chancellor on 7th November 1996 ‘... we have always been right in emphasizing the importance of both Chinese and English. Is the purpose of bilingualism to render easier communication with more people around the globe or is it to increase the potential for j o b opportunities for our graduates? Perhaps both. Whichever is the case, it was an admirable policy. Now, with the necessary infrastructure already in place, and with the relevant culture already prevalent, I am confident that we shall succeed in meeting public expectations and demands. Bilingualism is a part of our distinctiveness 一 and it should remain so.’ Prof. Arthur K.C. Li 'Vice-Chancellors Review' CUHK Annual Report 1996-97 ‘ . . . An issue of utmost concern was language proficiency. ... the University set up a task force to review our language enhancement courses and coordinate efforts in improving language proficiency. The task force have come up with an innovative and intensive programme in Putonghua, Cantonese, and English to help first year undergraduate students master the basics of the two languages so that they can cope w i th learning at university level. Other measures have also been introduced at both the college and faculty levels to encourage students to adopt a self-learning approach to language-skill-acquisition throughout their university education. The University is determined to do its utmost in ensuring that its graduates are bilingual. ... CUHK at 40 Bilingual Approach 13