Editor’s note: this article was translated from Ifeng News, and looks at the statements made by Zhang Shuhua, Head of the Intelligence Research Academy, during the recent national committee meeting. Zhang commented on the apparent “devastating” effects that the emphasis on English learning has had on the Chinese education system, and called for more in-depth focus on the studying of Chinese-related subjects.

As English is currently the most widely used language in the world, China’s education system has had to strive hard to nurture English speaking talents in order to sufficiently keep up with and communicate with the outside world. However, during the first session of the recent 12th CPPCC National Committee, Zhang Shuhua, Head of the Intelligence Research Academy, stated that the strong focus on the study of English in China has been “destructive” to the Chinese education system.

Zhang likened the studying of English in China to “putting a cart before a horse” and that in China, English isn’t seen as a requirement for social reform and development, but more as a means to an end. Zhang also stated that students often suffer during the studying of English, and that it is “wasting normal study time.” Zhang reinforced his claims by saying that the emphasis on English has “devastated” Chinese education, with the study of Mandarin facing an “unprecedented crisis.” Zhang continued by saying that “English enthusiasm has used large amounts of educational resources at high costs but with little gains.”

A “huge blow” to Chinese education

Many Chinese children begin their journey into the world of English at kindergarten, and by the time they reach middle school, English is seen as a one of the three major subjects alongside Chinese and mathematics. By the time they reach university, many students are denied access into their school of choice due to their English scores not being up to scratch. Those wanting to pursue postgraduate studies are required to take an even higher level English entrance exam. English exam preparation consumes a large portion of students’ time which subsequently results in a “huge blow” to the studies of courses related to their actual major, according to Zhang. The fact that China’s higher education is ranked as one of the lowest in the world is the result of the above trend, according to Zhang.

Zhang said that English is simply viewed as a tool for students to progress, and that every year many outstanding students are being denied access to higher education due to their English scores not hitting the mark. On the flipside, Zhang also mentioned that many “unprofessional” and “mediocre” students are being granted access to higher education simply due to their high English grades.

English overtaking Chinese as a “threshold for survival”

According to Zhang, students who take subjects such as traditional Chinese medicine, classical Chinese and ancient Chinese history are very unlikely to use English in their working environments. Yet despite this, English is often a prerequisite for getting into these courses – a reality that Zhang deems “utterly unnecessary”.

Due to the influence of the current Chinese education, society, and government policies, English has now become a threshold of survival in Chinese society. Zhang believes that as well as proving inefficient in terms of the amount of social cost used, English is often simply either “self-imposed torture or a tool of self-amusement.” Students spend unimaginable amounts of time and money on English during the 12 years between primary school and university only to pass a few exams; one can therefore justifiably claim that it’s all just a colossal waste.

Zhang referenced a 2010 survey carried out by China Daily stating, “There isn’t really a difference between the English levels of those who studied basic English and those who have never studied the language at all. Traditional methods of examination should be thoroughly abolished!” Zhang also stated that in the survey, 80% of those questioned agreed that the study of Chinese was facing a crisis. In light of this, Zhang noted the irony of the fact that there is currently little enthusiasm from Chinese people towards studying their own mother tongue, and that the Chinese language has gradually become more and more degraded.

“Feverous worship of English”

In light of the points he made, Zhang Shuhua advised that heavier focus should be placed on the study of Chinese in schools as it carries with it not only cultural significance but also a sense of pride and purpose. Zhang believes that Chinese plays an “irreplaceable part in the thought processes and spirit of Chinese heritage and civilization.” Coupled with math, Zhang believes that Chinese should preside over other subjects and the prominence of English study should be reduced significantly. Subjects such as biology and chemistry should also be left aside until students reach high school, and that subjects requiring numerous exams should also be substantially reduced, paving the way for children to embrace and appreciate Chinese language and Chinese cultural related learning. Zhang also insists that schools should start thinking about how to cure what he dubbed a “feverous worship of English.” He also urged those in the job and higher education sectors not to place too much emphasis on the requirement of certain English levels during application processes.

Source: Ifeng News



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Keywords: Zhang Shuhua English learning in China Chinese education