Adapting Content Materials for EMI

1. Introduction

Adapting content materials for English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) involves more than translating resources into English. It requires thoughtful selection, restructuring, and linguistic support to ensure that learners can access disciplinary knowledge without becoming overwhelmed by language difficulties. In many EMI contexts, students may simultaneously be developing academic English proficiency while grappling with complex subject content. Thus, materials must serve a dual purpose: supporting conceptual learning and scaffolding academic language development.

2. Key Principles for Material Adaptation

• Content Accuracy: Ensure the core disciplinary knowledge remains intact.
• Linguistic Accessibility: Reduce unnecessary language complexity without oversimplifying key terms.
• Coherence and Flow: Use headings, visual organizers, and examples to guide comprehension.
• Cultural Relevance: Incorporate examples familiar to learners’ contexts.

3. Adapting Content for Comprehensibility

One useful strategy is rhetorical restructuring—rearranging information logically and predictably. For example, presenting definitions, followed by examples, then followed by visual explanations, helps students gradually build understanding. Additionally, avoiding long noun clusters (e.g., “advanced climate change mitigation adaptation policies”) can prevent cognitive overload. Instead, break them into shorter phrases supported by visuals or definitions.

4. Using Multimodal Support

Visual aids such as diagrams, tables, timelines, and infographics can reduce linguistic load and enhance clarity. When visuals accompany explanations, students are more likely to internalize core concepts even if their linguistic proficiency is developing. Videos with subtitles, animated conceptual breakdowns, and interactive simulations can also support multimodal comprehension.

5. Language Support Embedded in Content

Language scaffolding should appear naturally within disciplinary materials rather than as separate English language lessons. For instance, glossaries, sentence frames, guided summaries, and comprehension questions can help students articulate understanding. Including short model explanations demonstrates how experts express academic reasoning in English.

• Provide key terminology lists with short, clear definitions.
• Use sentence starters to model academic discourse patterns.
• Insert comprehension checks after dense explanations.

6. Localizing Materials for Cultural Familiarity

When examples reflect learners’ local contexts, comprehension and motivation increase. In Asian higher education settings, referencing local industries, familiar social issues, or regionally relevant research strengthens relevance. Localization also signals respect for students’ identities, aligning with inclusive pedagogy.