Feng Yu and Principal Li start to chat after finalizing the details of the competition. Principal Li mentioned that most of his students could not pass their English Level 4 exams. Some universities had linked it to their degree to increase its passing rate.
Principal Li felt this is a good solution, but he noticed Feng Yu has a disdained look.
“What’s wrong? You seem to have other opinions.”
“Nothing. I don’t know much about education.” Although Feng Yu said this, he showed more contempt through his facial expression.
Feng Yu had heard about this from Li Na. Many High Schools had used this method in their previous life. Still, most of them abolished this system because the higher-ups noticed the consequences.
“Oh, there’s something which our Manager Feng doesn’t know.” Principal Li joked.
“Since you mention this, then I shall share my shallow views.”
“What is English? It is a language that originated from England and the official language of several countries. The most powerful country, the US, is also using English as its official language. But what is English’s nature? It is only a language.”
“We are Chinese, and our language is Mandarin. Why is Mandarin not linked to the graduation certificate? I am also curious why most faculties in the universities are not teaching Mandarin as a subject and students are required to learn English, and even need to link English Level 4 to their graduation certificate?”
“What can level 4 mean? Does that mean you know this language? Or does it mean you know recognize some words? Do you think knowing a lot of words means you understand the meaning of a sentence?”
Principal Li heard Feng Yu’s tone and retorted. “I remembered you got into our university because you are good at English and Russian. Since you think so little of English, why did you learn it in High School?”
“I am not belittling English. English is one of the world’s most commonly used languages because England was a superpower in the past and colonized many countries. Even now, many countries like Canada, India, Australia still listen to them.”
“I learned English is because I need to use it. Language is a skill. It can help people to communicate and overcome communication barriers. I want to do business overseas, and that’s why I learned it. It will help during negotiations and meetings with my overseas partners.”
“But what about other students? How many of them will use English? I’m afraid more than 90% of them will not use it again in their lives. Do you think those who passed level 4 or even level 6 can listen, read and speak? Can they use English to communicate with others easily like me?”
“I remember many of our school’s Professors do not understand English. They might not even know another foreign language. But did it affect them? Do you know how much money those students spent just to learn a language they might not use in their lives? Study materials, references, English newspapers, listening to English radio channels, watching English movies and TV series, and all these brought in a more serious problem.”
Principal Li frowned. “What problem?”
“Spreading of ideas. The English movies, TV series, novels, newspapers, etc., are spreading western ideologies like the US’s individualism, capitalism, etc. this will affect many students’ mindsets.”
“Why are so many students looking forward to studying abroad? Is the overseas education system better? Why are they looking forward to living overseas? Is life overseas better? All these are because of what the media portray. Those countries had only shown others their best image and will never show their dark side.”
“Many students became interested after they learned English. They are forced to read these materials by their teachers and parents, and started looking forward to going overseas.”
“They felt the learning environment is less stressful and they can get a degree easily. Life there is also better, and jobs are available everywhere. Everyone has equal rights, and there are no corrupted government officials. But all these are just one-sided, or what those countries want to portray.”
“It is easy to enter the US’s colleges. Almost all of our university students can enter because many of the colleges are private schools. The entry requirement is low, and students can pass the entry exams easily. But it is not easy to get a degree, and they might not find any jobs after they graduate. Many Americans will not study in these schools. The crime rate in the US is several times higher than in China, and corruption is also present there. But it’s only because they have two parties, and they will supervise each other. So, it’s not easy for them to be accepting bribes openly.”
“Many of our overseas students are attending those private colleges or those that accept them as long as they can afford the high tuition fees. These schools are specially catered to students from developing countries. How many of them can be successful? Some of them cannot even speak English well.”
Principal Li is slightly upset. “Are you saying that we should cancel the English classes?”
“No. I mentioned earlier that English is a skill. It’s just like carpenters. Those who know how to saw wood cannot call themselves carpenters. Only the ones who know how to make furniture can be called a carpenter, and only those who can make sophisticated furniture can be considered skilled carpenter. Students can learn English, but they must be good at it. At the minimum, they must know how to interact with others. Or else, it is only a certificate stating this student had learned English before. Learned English and knows English is very different!”
“Not everyone needs to learn English. We can’t even master Mandarin, let alone learn a language that we might not even use in our lifetime. Look at the number of English schools increasing their fees after English Level 4 is tied to the student’s graduation. Do you think those foreign teachers in the language schools are qualified to teach? Have they undergone proper training?”
“That’s why I feel it is ridiculous for junior, and even kindergartens, to teach English. Even our middle schools are treating English the same as Mandarin and Mathematics. Do you think it is reasonable to treat English as important as Mandarin?”
Principal Li lowered his head and thought deeply. Feng Yu does make a point. Many Chinese scholars had been saying that English should not be treated so importantly. But their arguments are different from Feng Yu’s.
Principal Li needs to think about this issue properly and bring it up for discussion during the next education meeting. How can the parents treat English results as more important than Mandarin in China?! This is ridiculous!
Maybe English should be treated as another ordinary subject.
