False alarm or real warning? Implications for China of teaching English

Abstract

This paper explores the cultural impact of teaching the English language with particular reference to China. It deals with the following questions: (1) It is said that English is threatening other languages and cultures. For China, is this a false alarm or a real warning? (2) The fact that China has entered the world of English teaching has accelerated the spread of the English language. Is English teaching in China a good idea or not? (3) Language is part of culture. English teaching in China therefore may lead to conflict between two strikingly different cultures: the western and the Chinese. What are the cultural implications of English teaching in China? (4) By teaching the English language, China is making a transition from English as a foreign language to English as a second language. What are the implications of such a transition? In response to these questions, the author argues that Chinese language and culture might not be safe once China enters a bilingual stage and proposes ways to protect them.