English as a “global language” in China: An investigation into learners’ and teachers’ language beliefs

This paper discusses issues related to language beliefs held by teachers and students of English in China; namely, the status of English, the learners’ expectations of English and the focus of English teaching and learning in China. These beliefs are examined in the context of globalization and China’s ever-deepening integration into the global economy, in particular, during the period when China hosted the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Both questionnaire and interview data will be presented and these databases highlight the prevalence of the belief that English is an international and global language in contrast to Chinese. Belief in the instrumental value of English, both to the country and to the individual, is also found to be common among research participants. Nevertheless, the emphasis on the learning and teaching of English is still found to be examination oriented, which may be an obstacle to the development of the students’ communication skills in English.

► We discuss language beliefs held by teachers and students of English in China.
► We examine the status of English, the learners' expectations of English and the focus of English teaching and learning in China using both questionnaire and interview data.
► It is a prevalent belief that English is an international and global language.
► Belief in the instrumental value of English is common among research participants.
► The learning and teaching of English is examination oriented.