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Must be practical

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I do not agree with Elsie Tu's argument that Chinese would be a better medium of instruction (letter, South China Morning Post, March 19).

It has nothing to do with downgrading Chinese culture when parents want their children to learn through English medium. It is sheer practicality. An English-medium-educated graduate stands a better chance of being admitted to university and a better opportunity of getting a good job.

English is not a colonial language even though the British have introduced it as a language of administration. The best legacy the British left for Hong Kong was the English language.

It will indeed be a tragedy if, in the guise of patriotism and mistaken cultural pride, the Chinese get rid of English medium; for the only way Hong Kong will remain an international city is increased use of the English language like Singapore. Or else Hong Kong will become just another province of China.

RAJU IYER Kowloon

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