Challenges of English for Academic Purposes in Asia
Abstract
Mao Ting
Currently, there is a heated debate on whether English for Academic Purposes (EAP) should take the place of English for General Purposes (EGP) (known as College English at the tertiary level in mainland China) in the foreign language field in mainland China. Some researchers contend that EGP cannot prepare students for their academic study in the new globalized context. However, some researchers argue that EAP may be implemented at some universities with English as the medium of instruction. It should not be generalized at all universities and replace EGP in mainland China. However, little research has been done on the readiness of implementing EAP courses at mainland Chinese universities. A review of literature studied the challenges of EAP that some Asian countries are faced with in terms of the EAP learners and instructors. It hopes to give some perspectives when policy makers make the decision to implement EAP courses for the EFL learners at Chinese universities. Effective EAP practice could be enabled when the challenges are negotiated and corresponding strategies are identified.
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