Q: Should science and mathematics be taught in an international language such as English?

A: In many minority language schools, dual-language and bilingual schools, there is a trend towards teaching sciences, technology and mathematics through the medium of English. This is a controversial area among parents and educators. It tends to split those who fervently seek language minority salvation and those who argue that English is de facto the international language of science, maths, technology and computing. It tends to separate those who argue for basic language principles and planning from those who are language pragmatists and free market language economists. We can only put the two schools of thought.

The rationale for teaching these subjects in English is that most science textbooks, scientific information, college and university studies in science and technology (and lots of other 'ologies', such as sociology, psychology, geology) are in English. In Welsh-medium secondary schools, where much of the curriculum is taught through the medium of Welsh, it is not unusual to find science and maths taught in English - reflecting the textbooks available, the preference of science teachers educated in English, the preference of some to 'think' mathematically in English, or simply teaching tradition.

But some argue that to associate science and mathematics only with a majority language such as English is a bad idea.

Is the hidden message that Welsh is not up-to-date, isn't capable of scientific and mathematical usage, hasn't the vocabulary to enable scientific and mathematical teaching? Is it only associated with history, culture, tradition, folk lore and heritage? Scientific culture is seen as Anglo-American, and increased status is given to the English language - is this the language of modernity, the high status and powerful aspects of science and technology? Does this make one language more internationally valued and minority languages less valued?

In Wales, there have been movements to try to ensure that science teaching, textbooks and thinking can all operate in Welsh. Considerable attempts have been made to show that Welsh can adapt to being a modern language. New vocabulary has been invented, sometimes providing extra meaning to a scientific concept, at other times borrowing from the English, Greek or Latin languages.

For more information see the 'Education in Welsh section.