The spread of English is so much an integral part of globalization that it has become an essential global literacy skill. In Asia, this poses immense challenges to governments and English language teaching and teacher education professions as they attempt to meet this demand from students for a high level of English proficiency. This volume examines English language education policies across ten Asian jurisdictions, the corresponding teacher education policies, and how these policies affect teachers and teacher educators. Each chapter covers a different jurisdiction, and is written by a scholar engaged in the implementation of government policies on English language and teacher education, providing the reader with insiders' perspectives. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the remarkable similarities in the challenges posed to these countries and the critical issues that have emerged from the local responses despite their markedly different socioeconomic, political, cultural and historical backgrounds.

‘This outstanding volume provides a timely and insightful account of the status of English language teaching and teacher education in the East Asian region. The contributors present a comprehensive and critical account of the issues posed by language education policies in the region and how these are addressed through curriculum and teacher education practices.'

Jack C. Richards - University of Sydney

‘Not just the ‘four tigers' but other East Asian nations are facing the challenge to develop a language policy that meets global and local needs. This book, edited by a leading Hong Kong scholar, reviews and analyzes the problems faced and the pressure of hegemonic English.'

Bernard Spolsky - Professor emeritus, Bar-Ilan University