Is English education sidelined?

The University of Science and Technology of China recently announced the elimination of six undergraduate majors, including English, as part of a program revamp. This decision, along with Xi’an Jiaotong University’s announcement in September that the passing of the College English Test is no longer a requirement for undergraduate graduation, has raised speculation about possible diminishing importance of English learning in China’s education system.

To gain perspective, it is worth considering the number of universities in China offering an English-language major. According to the official website of China University Rankings, as of August 2023, 954 universities offered an English major, ranking it first in terms of the number of institutions providing this program. In comparison, computer science ranked second, with 950 universities offering the major. Additionally, 389 universities offered a Business English major, and 282 provided a translation major.

Although the number of universities offering an English major does not necessarily imply that the highest number of university students choose English as their major, as different majors have varying enrollment sizes, it does suggest that English studies students may face increased difficulty in finding employment after graduation due to an oversupply of English majors entering the job market each year.

Furthermore, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) may further diminish job opportunities for foreign-language graduates in areas such as translation and copywriting, as these fields could potentially experience job displacement with the advancement of AI technology.

During the early years of China’s reform and opening up, graduates with an English major were highly sought after by employers, as the country was in dire need of individuals capable of communicating with foreign investors and businesspeople. For many years, passing an English proficiency test has been a requirement for college graduation and professional qualification assessments. In 2017, China eliminated the English test for professional title appraisals, a move that was widely welcomed, as many professions do not require extensive use of English in daily work. Following this decision, some universities also removed the requirement for students to pass the College English Test before graduation.

The significant resources dedicated to English learning over the decades have resulted in higher English proficiency among younger generations, regardless of their chosen majors. The elimination of the English major in some universities and the relaxation of some English proficiency test requirements should not be interpreted as a wavering of China’s commitment to opening up. These changes simply reflect the need to adapt to evolving social, economic, and employment market landscapes.

However, the importance of learning foreign languages should not be underestimated, despite the potential reduction in demand for language professionals due to generative AI. Foreign-language studies remain important for students of science and arts to advance their research and pave the way for future career development. Some people see the value of learning a foreign language simply from the narrow perspective that language is just a communication tool. National lawmaker Tuo Qingming, who called for the reduction of the weight of English test in college entrance exam, said that the subject had “limited practical value for many people.”

“For a considerable number of people, learning a foreign language is only for admission to higher education. What they learn is actually exam-oriented … They will seldom or never use foreign languages in their work or life,” Tuo said. Tuo’s remarks revealed a narrow perspective on foreign languages that is incompatible with his role as a middle school principal.

While studying a foreign language, learners are exposed to diverse cultures and different ways of thinking, in addition to the benefits it brings as a research and study tool. Embracing different cultures often fosters inclusivity and creativity, while minimizing the risk of developing bigotry.

As Canadian psycholinguist Frank Smith wrote, “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” Similarly, Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, famously said, “To have another language is to possess a second soul.”

(The author is a deputy editor-in-chief of Shenzhen Daily.)