English Language Teaching in Buddhist Universities: A Study of Vietnam Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh and Acharya Nagarjuna University in India

Dr. Le Hong Linh

Abstract: English has become important, especially for higher education in an international academic discourse- influencing Buddhist?studies. Global engagement, interreligious dialogue and scholarly publishing are increasingly reliant on English as a working language. This article provides a theoretical critique of the ELT Programma at two Buddhist higher education institutions, the Buddhist University (TBU)?in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), India. In place of survey-based or empirical evidence, the article analyses curriculum philosophy,?language policy and pedagogical orientation. English?is the only language of instruction at ANU for post-graduate and doctorate students, including course work, academic communication and reference materials. Several decades later, the Buddhist University of Ho Chi Minh?City provides primarily English as a foreign language and Vietnamese is still in usage for subjects. It is argued in this paper?that these opposing models are reflection of different academic understandings of English, as either the primary academic language for knowledge production or a secondary and useful skill. It is argued that, without a significant move towards English-medium academic participation, Vietnamese Buddhist higher education risks becoming?poorly integrated with the global.

Keywords: Vietnam Buddhist University, Acharya Nagarjuna University, ELT, ELE

How to Cite?: Dr. Le Hong Linh, "English Language Teaching in Buddhist Universities: A Study of Vietnam Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh and Acharya Nagarjuna University in India", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 771-776, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26111171426, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26111171426