In the Age of A.I., Some in China Wonder if Learning English Is Worth the Trouble
A math teacher’s viral post prompted a debate over the language, which some see as an optional skill — and a symbol of Western dominance.
TL;DR
- A Chinese math teacher proposed making English study optional in schools, sparking an online debate.
- The teacher argued that children should master their native language first and criticized the "blind worship of foreign imports."
- The debate touches on the relevance of English as AI translation tools improve and youth face uncertain job prospects.
- China has prioritized English education since the late 1970s as part of its global opening-up policy.
- English is a core subject in China and heavily weighted in the gaokao college entrance exam.
- Some support the teacher's view, stating the current curriculum lacks real-world proficiency and burdens students.
- Others oppose reducing English's priority, viewing the teacher's language as inflammatory and nationalistic sentiments being exploited.
- The former editor of Global Times urged the public to ignore politicized nationalism on the issue.