Academics have given their backing to mixed-code teaching despite the government's advice to the contrary in its latest review of the medium of instruction policy.
At a public forum on the medium of instruction at Hong Kong Institute of Education, language experts from various universities gave their support to local teachers' long-standing practice of using the approach in non-language lessons.
Colloquially derided as 'selling dog meat as mutton' in education circles, the practice, in which teachers use English textbooks but deliver their lessons in Cantonese or use both English and Chinese expressions in their oral delivery, has been strongly discouraged by the government under its new language policy.
Education Secretary Michael Suen Ming-yeung has decreed that those wanting to use English textbooks but teach in Cantonese in non-language classes have to apply for special permission.
But David Li Chor-shing, professor of English at HKIEd, said using mixed codes was conducive to students' learning.
'There will be sacrifices for students in using English to learn everything,' Professor Li said.