Chinese University of Hong Kong alumni have questioned whether departments can have autonomy when deciding their medium of instruction.
They expressed concern after the committee on bilingualism at CUHK, comprising students, alumni and teachers and chaired by former CUHK vice-chancellor Ambrose King Yeo-chi, this week released a consultation report on the university's language policy.
The report reaffirmed that CUHK should maintain its bilingual tradition.
The university met with strong opposition from students, staff and alumni last year after announcing an increase in courses in English to boost its internationalisation plan, which was seen as a betrayal of its Chinese heritage.
The report recommends lectures in 'universal' subjects such as natural sciences be conducted in English, while those related to Chinese culture, society and history, and general education courses, be in Cantonese and Putonghua, with the latter increasing according to need. Cantonese would be used for Hong Kong studies.
The ultimate decision over the medium of instruction should be left to the departments, it says.