Does English proficiency support the economic development of non-English-speaking countries? The case of Asia

• Published in: International journal of educational development Vol. 92; p. 102623
• Main Authors: Li, Yufan, Teng, Weichen, Tsai, Limin, Lin, Tom M.Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2022
• Subjects: Bilingual nation; Economic development; English education; English proficiency; Human development; Language policy; Human development; Language policy; English education; Bilingual nation; Economic development; English proficiency
• ISSN: 0738-0593; 1873-4871
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2022.102623

In this study, the relationship between the English proficiency and economic development of Asian countries is analyzed using panel data regression. The results indicate that English proficiency exerts a significant effect on economic development, but the effect is fully mediated by economic policies. Additionally, moderation effect analysis reveals that the policy of English as an official language is not a determinant of economic development for high-income Asian countries. Therefore, non-English-speaking countries with no history of colonization by an English-speaking country should prioritize English education reforms, which are more practical than enacting a bilingual nation policy. •The positive effect of national English proficiency on economic development is mediated by economic policies.•Bilingual country policy is not a key factor in the economic development of Asian high-income countries.•English education reforms are recommended for countries without the colonial history of English-speaking countries.•A country's national English proficiency assessment results vary with different English proficiency tests.