The (in)justice of EMI: a critical discourse analysis of two key stakeholders’ views on the Polytechnic University of Milan court case

• DOI: 10.1515/jelf-2024-2002
• Publication Date: 2024-08-06T16:43:33Z
• Authors: Beatrice Zuaro; Dogan Yuksel; Peter Wingrove; Marion Nao; Anna K. Hultgren
• Keywords: 05 social sciences; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences

Abstract While English-medium Instruction (EMI) continues to be appealing for various stakeholders, it also raises some epistemological and ethical concerns, which have in the past found expression polarized debates. A well-known example is 2012 Milan court case, academic staff sued Polytechnic University of over its attempt promote an EMI-only policy. Now almost ten years after motivations key proponents opponents policy are yet explored depth. In order explain how different interpretations EMI could result such unreconcilable positions, this paper we adopt a new analytical angle, focusing on two elite participants : rector who promoted lawyer (also faculty member) represented lecturers court. Via critical discourse analysis interviews these participants, aim unveil stakeholders from same context frame relation ideas justice/injustice. Results indicate that, despite comparable personal commitment education similar understandings language/power interactions, evaluate English against frames reference (i.e. horizon globalized education, versus traditional national understanding goals education). This leads diametrically opposite evaluations growing presence higher education.