Why are Chinese people losing interest in learning English?

(Dan Tri) - China currently ranks 91st out of 116 countries and territories in terms of English proficiency. Four years ago, China ranked 38th out of 100. Why is there this sudden drop?

In preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Beijing authorities launched a mass English teaching campaign for the public. The aim was to enable Beijing residents to communicate effectively with foreign visitors.

At that time, police, public transport staff and hotel staff were the most targeted groups. At this stage, Beijing authorities set a target of 80% of taxi drivers being able to use English at a basic level.

However, according to the British news outlet The Economist , visitors to Beijing will find that few people in the city can confidently speak English, even at a basic level of communication.

China currently ranks 91st out of 116 countries and territories in terms of English proficiency (Illustration: Freepik).

There was once an “English learning fever” in China. At that time, many people were excited to learn foreign languages, and English was the most popular language. They hoped that their ability to use a foreign language would help them find jobs in foreign companies.

Many hope that they will have more advantages in business cooperation with foreign partners. However, the Chinese people's interest in learning English has gradually decreased in recent years.

According to the latest ranking by EF Education First, an international education organization specializing in language training, China currently ranks 91st out of 116 countries and territories in terms of English proficiency (Vietnam is ranked 63rd). Four years ago, China ranked 38th out of 100.

Thus, in just four years, the English proficiency ranking of Chinese people has dropped from average to low.

Many Chinese people question the accuracy of the rankings released by EF Education First this year. But many also believe that the rankings accurately reflect what is happening in Chinese language learning.

One important reason affecting the demand for foreign language learning in the country of a billion people is the Covid-19 pandemic. During and after the pandemic, the demand for going abroad of Chinese people has decreased significantly. The pandemic has changed the lifestyle of many people.

Besides, changes in the relationship between some countries in the world also change the trend of Chinese people learning English.

In fact, in Chinese schools, the amount of time devoted to English is not as much as before. The weight of English in the Chinese college entrance examination has also changed. This has also changed the way Chinese students and parents view the importance of learning English.

As China’s economy shows signs of slowing, its people are also becoming more “introverted.” Many young people in the country now want stable jobs in government agencies. Interest in working for foreign companies or traveling abroad to seek job opportunities has decreased compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Translation apps are also becoming more effective and popular. In fact, the EF Education First rankings also show that people in technologically advanced countries like South Korea and Japan are also experiencing a decline in English proficiency.

For many people, when English proficiency is not an important factor affecting their work and life, they can use effective support applications, the need to learn to use English fluently will decrease significantly.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/tai-sao-nguoi-trung-quoc-sut-giam-hung-thu-hoc-tieng-anh-20241220091153106.htm