Language Use in Distance Education: Basis for Policy Formulation

Abstract

Language use in instruction performs a vital role in facilitating learning. The impact of language policy and practice affirmed that language use in teaching has a significant role in the learners learning outcome. Therefore, the institution needs to have a strong foundation in managing language used to formulate a language policy for the whole institution. Findings on the use of language in university classrooms revealed that the lecturers and the learners are conscious of the language policy. However, the discrepancy in implementing the English Only Policy is observable. The researchers investigated and assessed the language practices during the implementation of remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic and determined if the face-to-face situation changed the language used during distance learning. Using the mixed-method design, the study sought to determine the language practices in the University before and during distance learning instruction, identify the language practices in the University during distance learning instruction, and find out the ramifications of the language practices in the language acquisition and learning and language use which will eventually lead to the formulation of language policy.