L | A (Translated with ChatGPT)
Students from Fudan University in Shanghai take graduation photos at the campus gate
Last week, the Academic Affairs Office of Xi'an Jiaotong University issued a notice stating that the English CET-4 and CET-6 exam results will no longer be tied to undergraduate graduation or bachelor's degrees.
This sparked considerable debate in the media and online. Some have claimed that Xi'an Jiaotong University has "fired the first shot in breaking the link," others lamented that "an era has ended," and some took the opportunity to promote the idea of "English being useless." However, none of this has affected Jenny (a pseudonym), who is currently studying journalism at Sichuan University.
Some young people in China remain enthusiastic about learning English
Jenny told Voice of America that at her university, passing the CET-4 and CET-6 exams isn't required to receive a degree.
For her, "passing these exams is just basic." Having set her sights on studying in the U.S. for further education, she understands that mastering English isn't optional but essential. "If you want to work in journalism, you need to read English content or conduct interviews in English. Fluent English is indispensable," she explained.
In addition to her school's English courses, Jenny has opted to expand her reading and listening skills outside of class and has sought advice from a study abroad consultant. She plans to start IELTS or TOEFL training during this winter break, with her family fully supporting her future plans.
Jacky, who recently graduated from Guangzhou University of Science and Technology, continues to diligently study English as well. He told Voice of America, "I believe English is still a necessary language today. As it remains a dominant global language, there is still a need to study it."
During the interview, Jacky also mentioned the recent tensions between China and Western countries and the growing online criticism of Western nations. However, none of this has affected his enthusiasm for learning English. Even his parents are very supportive of his English studies.
Majoring in Business English at university, Jacky has been passionate about learning English since childhood, and his dedication has never wavered.
His proficiency in English has allowed him to better communicate with foreigners, broaden his horizons, and expand his social circle. While undergoing IELTS training, he met many foreign teachers, and through various opportunities, he made friends with people from different professions abroad, including painters, composers, and voice actors.
Because he understands English, Jacky reads English-language news to access more information and avoid being misled by Chinese social media. He pointed out, "Some Chinese self-media on Weibo often make mistakes when reposting or translating news, and they're too lazy to fact-check or verify publication times before making conclusions."
Recently, a photo of a Native American employee on Apple's mainland China website sparked outrage among many Chinese netizens, who accused it of "insulting China." They believed the employee's hairstyle, which resembled a Qing Dynasty queue, was intended to humiliate Chinese people. Jacky found the widespread, unverified comments circulating online to be very frustrating.
Living in Guangzhou, Jacky told the reporter that he has never been abroad but plans to work or live in an English-speaking country someday. However, his current financial situation does not yet allow for that.
"Decoupling from English" Equals Cultural Confidence?
Although Xi’an Jiaotong University emphasized that it is not the first school to separate the English CET-4 and CET-6 exams from degree requirements, their decision has still garnered widespread attention. It has sparked a new wave of discussions about "de-Englishization" on both traditional and online media.
While some people still see English as important, many nationalists have praised the move, viewing it as the beginning of "cultural confidence" and "national confidence." These concepts have been central themes promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took office.
Some online users voiced their support, stating, "Chinese people writing papers in Chinese on their own land is the foundation for canceling English proficiency as a research requirement." A nationalist account on Weibo, "Hongshu Xionglaoliu" with 6.64 million followers, posted: "English is important, but with China's development, it's no longer as critical. Now it's time for foreigners to learn Chinese."
It's not just nationalists driving the conversation online; the Chinese government has also been implementing "de-Englishization" policies over the past few years.
During China's 2021 Two Sessions (annual political meetings), an official proposed removing English as a mandatory subject in the national college entrance exam (Gaokao) and compulsory education. By September 2022, the Ministry of Education piloted the cancellation of English exams for primary school students in Shanghai. Additionally, by the end of 2021, subway signs in Beijing and Tianjin had removed English elements, replacing "station" with the pinyin "zhan" instead.
The latest version of the "Compulsory Education Curriculum Plan" now allocates 20%-22% of class time to Chinese, 13%-15% to math, 10%-11% to physical education and health, and only 6%-8% to foreign languages, significantly reducing the emphasis on English.
Earlier this year, National People's Congress representative Tuo Qingming, principal of Yucheng District No. 2 Middle School in Ya'an, Sichuan Province, proposed lowering the English score in the Gaokao to 100 points. Additionally, many scholars argue that as China's economic and comprehensive national power grows stronger, learning English is no longer a necessity and should be removed as a Gaokao subject.
Wu Guo, an associate professor of history and director of Chinese studies at Allegheny College in the U.S., commented in an interview with VOA:
"The online discourse reflects a blind nationalist sentiment, which is the result of not truly understanding history and Sino-foreign cultures." He added, "Overall, the trend of weakening English education and undermining the importance of learning English is, in my view, quite problematic."
English is the global lingua franca, and experts argue that "de-anglicizing" is not advisable
Wu Guo from Allegheny College in the U.S. stated that decoupling the CET-4 and CET-6 exams from degree requirements may be acceptable, but the idea of "de-anglicizing" is not. He explained that the CET-4 and CET-6 may not be the best ways to help students become proficient in English.
These exams mainly consist of standardized multiple-choice questions, which often disconnect from real-life applications. Even if students pass the exams, it may not significantly impact their work or daily life. He noted, "If there is continuous high-quality English instruction and ample opportunities to use English, it may not be necessary to cancel the CET-4 and CET-6 or at least make them optional."
Dr. Cui Kai, who has been involved in U.S. study consultation services for eighteen years, believes that China's economic policies, such as promoting "internal circulation," have led many to underestimate the importance of English.
He noted that while some people may never need English in their lives, for students who go directly to work after completing their undergraduate degrees or those pursuing further studies abroad, the CET-4 and CET-6 certificates are essential. He stated, "For companies, especially large global corporations, strong English communication skills are a necessity, not just a bonus."
Wu Guo added that if the trend of weakening English education becomes widespread, it would be extremely detrimental to China's integration into the world, including its acceptance of global culture and the ability to be accepted by others.
He told reporters, "In global economic, academic, and diplomatic exchanges, the common language is English, and the vast majority of online communications are conducted in English. This is an objective fact."
Based on his personal observations, he has clearly noticed that the English proficiency levels in Taiwan, as well as among its scholars, are higher than those in mainland China. Scholars from Japan and South Korea can often participate in academic conferences in English-speaking countries without the need for translation, while most Chinese scholars have not yet reached this level.
Having been called upon to provide interpreting services at academic conferences, he observed that while some Chinese professors can read English papers, their pronunciation is often odd or incorrect, indicating that the English proficiency of Chinese scholars still needs improvement. The global impact and audience of research published in English are entirely different from those published in Chinese.
Chinese middle-class students' interest in studying abroad in Europe and America remains strong
Although nationalists online emphasize cultural and national confidence, Cui Kai, who has been working as a study abroad consultant for many years, has observed that the number of people wanting to study abroad is increasing, especially after the strict pandemic control policies of the past few years. The trend of seeking to "escape" has become prevalent, and he has received a significant amount of inquiries related to studying abroad and immigration.
He said that while he has observed many people choosing to study in previously less popular countries like Thailand, the United States remains the top choice for many, unaffected by the deteriorating Sino-American relations. He also noted a trend toward younger applicants for study abroad.
He told reporters, "When I started working in the study abroad industry in 2005 and 2006, most students were applying for master's programs overseas. Starting in 2010, more and more people began applying for undergraduate studies abroad, and now parents want to send their children out as early as possible. Boarding schools have become very popular."
According to a report released by the U.S. State Department on the number of student visas issued by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, 5,413 students from mainland China obtained F-1 student visas to study in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023, surpassing the numbers for the first quarters of 2019 and 2018.
He told reporters that parents who have long set goals for their children to study abroad are highly competitive about their children’s English education.
These parents, coming from middle-class or higher backgrounds, enroll their children in extracurricular English tutoring classes at a very young age, hire foreign teachers, and sign them up for overseas study tours, causing their children's learning levels to exceed the requirements of the CET-4 and CET-6 exams early on.
This is because "for students planning to pursue graduate studies or study abroad, the CET exams serve as a basic entry test for English proficiency, which is far from sufficient."
He also mentioned that many students have reported to him that the structure of university English courses is not very effective, stating, "The essentials that are needed are hardly covered, and what is discussed is mostly unnecessary."
However, Cui Kai pointed out that the online nationalists and the young people in real life who are diligently learning English with aspirations to study abroad, as well as the parents who spend large amounts of money on their children's English education, are not the same group.
Students from Fudan University in Shanghai take graduation photos at the campus gate
Last week, the Academic Affairs Office of Xi'an Jiaotong University issued a notice stating that the English CET-4 and CET-6 exam results will no longer be tied to undergraduate graduation or bachelor's degrees.
This sparked considerable debate in the media and online. Some have claimed that Xi'an Jiaotong University has "fired the first shot in breaking the link," others lamented that "an era has ended," and some took the opportunity to promote the idea of "English being useless." However, none of this has affected Jenny (a pseudonym), who is currently studying journalism at Sichuan University.
Some young people in China remain enthusiastic about learning English
Jenny told Voice of America that at her university, passing the CET-4 and CET-6 exams isn't required to receive a degree.
For her, "passing these exams is just basic." Having set her sights on studying in the U.S. for further education, she understands that mastering English isn't optional but essential. "If you want to work in journalism, you need to read English content or conduct interviews in English. Fluent English is indispensable," she explained.
In addition to her school's English courses, Jenny has opted to expand her reading and listening skills outside of class and has sought advice from a study abroad consultant. She plans to start IELTS or TOEFL training during this winter break, with her family fully supporting her future plans.
Jacky, who recently graduated from Guangzhou University of Science and Technology, continues to diligently study English as well. He told Voice of America, "I believe English is still a necessary language today. As it remains a dominant global language, there is still a need to study it."
During the interview, Jacky also mentioned the recent tensions between China and Western countries and the growing online criticism of Western nations. However, none of this has affected his enthusiasm for learning English. Even his parents are very supportive of his English studies.
Majoring in Business English at university, Jacky has been passionate about learning English since childhood, and his dedication has never wavered.
His proficiency in English has allowed him to better communicate with foreigners, broaden his horizons, and expand his social circle. While undergoing IELTS training, he met many foreign teachers, and through various opportunities, he made friends with people from different professions abroad, including painters, composers, and voice actors.
Because he understands English, Jacky reads English-language news to access more information and avoid being misled by Chinese social media. He pointed out, "Some Chinese self-media on Weibo often make mistakes when reposting or translating news, and they're too lazy to fact-check or verify publication times before making conclusions."
Recently, a photo of a Native American employee on Apple's mainland China website sparked outrage among many Chinese netizens, who accused it of "insulting China." They believed the employee's hairstyle, which resembled a Qing Dynasty queue, was intended to humiliate Chinese people. Jacky found the widespread, unverified comments circulating online to be very frustrating.
Living in Guangzhou, Jacky told the reporter that he has never been abroad but plans to work or live in an English-speaking country someday. However, his current financial situation does not yet allow for that.
"Decoupling from English" Equals Cultural Confidence?
Although Xi’an Jiaotong University emphasized that it is not the first school to separate the English CET-4 and CET-6 exams from degree requirements, their decision has still garnered widespread attention. It has sparked a new wave of discussions about "de-Englishization" on both traditional and online media.
While some people still see English as important, many nationalists have praised the move, viewing it as the beginning of "cultural confidence" and "national confidence." These concepts have been central themes promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took office.
Some online users voiced their support, stating, "Chinese people writing papers in Chinese on their own land is the foundation for canceling English proficiency as a research requirement." A nationalist account on Weibo, "Hongshu Xionglaoliu" with 6.64 million followers, posted: "English is important, but with China's development, it's no longer as critical. Now it's time for foreigners to learn Chinese."
It's not just nationalists driving the conversation online; the Chinese government has also been implementing "de-Englishization" policies over the past few years.
During China's 2021 Two Sessions (annual political meetings), an official proposed removing English as a mandatory subject in the national college entrance exam (Gaokao) and compulsory education. By September 2022, the Ministry of Education piloted the cancellation of English exams for primary school students in Shanghai. Additionally, by the end of 2021, subway signs in Beijing and Tianjin had removed English elements, replacing "station" with the pinyin "zhan" instead.
The latest version of the "Compulsory Education Curriculum Plan" now allocates 20%-22% of class time to Chinese, 13%-15% to math, 10%-11% to physical education and health, and only 6%-8% to foreign languages, significantly reducing the emphasis on English.
Earlier this year, National People's Congress representative Tuo Qingming, principal of Yucheng District No. 2 Middle School in Ya'an, Sichuan Province, proposed lowering the English score in the Gaokao to 100 points. Additionally, many scholars argue that as China's economic and comprehensive national power grows stronger, learning English is no longer a necessity and should be removed as a Gaokao subject.
Wu Guo, an associate professor of history and director of Chinese studies at Allegheny College in the U.S., commented in an interview with VOA:
"The online discourse reflects a blind nationalist sentiment, which is the result of not truly understanding history and Sino-foreign cultures." He added, "Overall, the trend of weakening English education and undermining the importance of learning English is, in my view, quite problematic."
English is the global lingua franca, and experts argue that "de-anglicizing" is not advisable
Wu Guo from Allegheny College in the U.S. stated that decoupling the CET-4 and CET-6 exams from degree requirements may be acceptable, but the idea of "de-anglicizing" is not. He explained that the CET-4 and CET-6 may not be the best ways to help students become proficient in English.
These exams mainly consist of standardized multiple-choice questions, which often disconnect from real-life applications. Even if students pass the exams, it may not significantly impact their work or daily life. He noted, "If there is continuous high-quality English instruction and ample opportunities to use English, it may not be necessary to cancel the CET-4 and CET-6 or at least make them optional."
Dr. Cui Kai, who has been involved in U.S. study consultation services for eighteen years, believes that China's economic policies, such as promoting "internal circulation," have led many to underestimate the importance of English.
He noted that while some people may never need English in their lives, for students who go directly to work after completing their undergraduate degrees or those pursuing further studies abroad, the CET-4 and CET-6 certificates are essential. He stated, "For companies, especially large global corporations, strong English communication skills are a necessity, not just a bonus."
Wu Guo added that if the trend of weakening English education becomes widespread, it would be extremely detrimental to China's integration into the world, including its acceptance of global culture and the ability to be accepted by others.
He told reporters, "In global economic, academic, and diplomatic exchanges, the common language is English, and the vast majority of online communications are conducted in English. This is an objective fact."
Based on his personal observations, he has clearly noticed that the English proficiency levels in Taiwan, as well as among its scholars, are higher than those in mainland China. Scholars from Japan and South Korea can often participate in academic conferences in English-speaking countries without the need for translation, while most Chinese scholars have not yet reached this level.
Having been called upon to provide interpreting services at academic conferences, he observed that while some Chinese professors can read English papers, their pronunciation is often odd or incorrect, indicating that the English proficiency of Chinese scholars still needs improvement. The global impact and audience of research published in English are entirely different from those published in Chinese.
Chinese middle-class students' interest in studying abroad in Europe and America remains strong
Although nationalists online emphasize cultural and national confidence, Cui Kai, who has been working as a study abroad consultant for many years, has observed that the number of people wanting to study abroad is increasing, especially after the strict pandemic control policies of the past few years. The trend of seeking to "escape" has become prevalent, and he has received a significant amount of inquiries related to studying abroad and immigration.
He said that while he has observed many people choosing to study in previously less popular countries like Thailand, the United States remains the top choice for many, unaffected by the deteriorating Sino-American relations. He also noted a trend toward younger applicants for study abroad.
He told reporters, "When I started working in the study abroad industry in 2005 and 2006, most students were applying for master's programs overseas. Starting in 2010, more and more people began applying for undergraduate studies abroad, and now parents want to send their children out as early as possible. Boarding schools have become very popular."
According to a report released by the U.S. State Department on the number of student visas issued by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, 5,413 students from mainland China obtained F-1 student visas to study in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023, surpassing the numbers for the first quarters of 2019 and 2018.
He told reporters that parents who have long set goals for their children to study abroad are highly competitive about their children’s English education.
These parents, coming from middle-class or higher backgrounds, enroll their children in extracurricular English tutoring classes at a very young age, hire foreign teachers, and sign them up for overseas study tours, causing their children's learning levels to exceed the requirements of the CET-4 and CET-6 exams early on.
This is because "for students planning to pursue graduate studies or study abroad, the CET exams serve as a basic entry test for English proficiency, which is far from sufficient."
He also mentioned that many students have reported to him that the structure of university English courses is not very effective, stating, "The essentials that are needed are hardly covered, and what is discussed is mostly unnecessary."
However, Cui Kai pointed out that the online nationalists and the young people in real life who are diligently learning English with aspirations to study abroad, as well as the parents who spend large amounts of money on their children's English education, are not the same group.
