LANGUAGE AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION: A STUDY OF ITS IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE OF PAKISTANI UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This research examines the effect of language medium on performance in subjects that inevitably involve much use of language for study for students in Pakistani universities. Linguistically, Pakistan remains a very diverse country since more than seventy languages are used in this country. English is the language for higher education, for global communications as well as for accessing economic opportunities resulting in facing perplexities by students belonging to linguistically diverse background. Theoretical sciences including Cummins’ Framework for Language and Literacy Development and Gardner’s Integrative Motivation Theory emphasize on language proficiency nt in the consideration of achievement. Research questions include: Language medium and academic performance: an empirical question Explaining how language proficiency impacts achievement: A review. What are the difficulties that learners with LEP? To do this, 300 students from public and private university were administered a survey, in addition to conducting interviews with 20 faculty members from same universities. Consequently, this study adds to a literature that discusses choice of language medium in Pakistani universities, helps in shaping language policies, training of teachers, and choice of teaching pedagogy. Specifically, the study will seek to establish the effect of language medium on the students’ academic performance look at the function of the language proficiency in the success of the students, and establish the woeful experiences of learners with limited English language proficiency. Research hypotheses include: First language instruction will enhance achievement for students, while higher achievement in science and mathematics will result from English-medium education. Anticipated objectives include effects of language medium on academic performance, the significance of language proficiency in achievement, and policy implications for language medium. These are limitations based on sample size and area, and complexity of language teaching and learning. As such, the study provides significant implications for language policy and future teacher education, as well as raising learning attainment. Further research ideas relate to the longitudinal research on the teaching of language and understanding the role of technology in language acquisition.

Keywords: language medium issue, academic performance, university in Pakistan, mastery in English language.