medium of instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "medium of instruction" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically refers to the language used to teach a subject in a school or university. For example, "In this school, English is the medium of instruction in most classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Catalan language, already the medium of instruction in public schools, will be official.

The Guardian - Opinion

English became the language of government and the medium of instruction in schools.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He recalls being taught by some British teachers, but otherwise the medium of instruction was Urdu.

Stanford University

The Malaysian Employers Federation had lobbied strongly for English to be retained as the medium of instruction.

The New York Times

With no well-defined language as a medium of instruction policy, we have a fractured system that divides society.

The Guardian

English is the medium of instruction and training at WCM-Q.

Cornell University

French remains the sole medium of instruction; Bantu languages are studied as electives at the secondary and higher levels.

Britannica

And the government textbooks for these subjects need to be translated into Urdu, the medium of instruction here.

The Guardian

English is the medium of instruction at higher levels of education and is widely used in government offices.

Britannica

Swahili is also used as the medium of instruction in the first seven years of primary education.

Britannica

"In state schools in the Gulf the medium of instruction is Arabic, but the teaching is often not very good.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational policy, clearly define the "medium of instruction" to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if bilingual instruction is in place and what proportion of each language is used.

Common error

Avoid using "medium of instruction" without context, especially when writing for a diverse audience. Different countries and educational systems may have varying approaches to language use in schools. Briefly explain the specific context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "medium of instruction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI notes, it refers to the language used to teach a subject, shaping educational practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

27%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

21%

Less common in

Science

23%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "medium of instruction" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the language used for teaching. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase is most frequently found in academic, news, and encyclopedia contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "instructional language" and "language of education". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and context, especially when addressing diverse audiences. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively incorporate "medium of instruction" into their discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructional language

Focuses on the language specifically used for teaching, emphasizing the communicative aspect.

teaching language

Similar to instructional language, but places more emphasis on the act of teaching.

language used for teaching

A more descriptive and less formal way to refer to the language employed in instruction.

language of education

Highlights the role of language within the broader educational system.

dominant language of instruction

Highlights the language that is most prevalent in the educational environment.

classroom language

Focuses on the language used within the classroom setting, potentially encompassing both instruction and interaction.

principal language of teaching

Emphasizes the main language used, acknowledging that other languages might be present.

vehicle of instruction

Uses "vehicle" as a metaphor to describe the language that carries educational content.

educational language

Broadly encompasses all language used in the context of education, including materials and communication.

language of learning

Shifts the focus to the learner's perspective, emphasizing the language through which they acquire knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "medium of instruction" in a sentence?

You can use "medium of instruction" to describe the language used for teaching in a school or educational program. For example, "English is the "medium of instruction" in most universities in Hong Kong."

What's the difference between "language of instruction" and ""medium of instruction""?

The terms are largely interchangeable, but "language of instruction" might emphasize the linguistic aspect more directly, while ""medium of instruction"" encompasses the broader concept of how teaching is conducted through a particular language.

What are some other ways to say ""medium of instruction""?

Alternatives include "instructional language", "teaching language", or "language of education", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is the ""medium of instruction"" important in education?

The ""medium of instruction"" affects students' comprehension, engagement, and overall learning outcomes. Choosing an appropriate and accessible language for teaching can significantly improve educational quality.