Between Nationalism and Globalization: A Critical Case Analysis of South Korea’s English Ban in Kindergartens

Abstract

This paper will critically discuss and analyze the South Korean government's ban on English instruction in kindergartens from management’s perspectives. This case was selected for analysis because of the South Korean government’s dilemma: heritage language for national identity or English for socioeconomic mobility. It will examine the policy's motivations, implementation, and its broader implications for early childhood education and linguistic development within the nation. Additionally, this analysis will delve into the complex interplay between linguistic ideology, educational equity, and social pressures that inform the decisions, and then make a comparison between Southeast Asian countries and South Korea to draw lessons and solutions. The analysis on this dilemma and choice is expected to bring dynamic and new insights into language policy in non-native English-speaking countries.