question_answer

Give two broad opinions on which language should be the medium of instruction in Vietnamese schools.

Answer:

 (i) Some policy makers emphasised the need to use the French language as the medium of instructions. By learning the language, they felt, the Vietnamese would be introduced to the culture and civilisation of France. In this way the educated people in Vietnam would respect French sentiments and work for the French, as they need workforce. (ii) Others were opposed to French being the only medium of instruction. They suggested that Vietnamese should be taught in lower classes and French in the higher classes. The few who learnt French and acquired French culture were to be rewarded with French citizenship.