In China, English seems to be ubiquitous. From students to veteran workers, it seems like everyone has to pass English tests for a chance to continue studying or to get a promotion. This craze for English was bluntly criticized by a professor during this year's sessions of the 12th National People's Congress and National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Zhang Shuhua, Dean of the Information and Intelligence Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Chinese people's mania for English learning wastes education resources and threatens the study of Chinese. In his eyes, English is only a tool. But some educational institutes are treating passing exams as the only purpose for learning English. He suggested that this phenomenon of "English worship" should be tackled at each stage of education, and that current English teaching methods should be improved.

His provocative argument triggered intense public debate. Some maintain that people should be encouraged to learn English. They argue that having citizens who can communicate in English is important for China's ability to communicate internationally, and studying a foreign language broadens people's minds. However, others agree with Zhang and believe that English should be learned for communication, not tests, and should no longer be a compulsory course.

Pro

Zhai Hua

Columnist who lives and works abroad

I don't think Chinese people should stop learning English. On the contrary, I suggest that everyone try to learn another foreign language after mastering English. Language doesn't take up that much space in a person's memory. Studies show that memorizing information every second for 100 consecutive years only takes up 1 percent of the brain's memory. The majority of people have developed less than 10 percent of their brain capacity. If a person is able to use 30 percent of their brain capacity, they can easily master 10 languages.

Mastering English allows one to roam the world. At international conferences, it is universally acknowledged that Chinese delegates often speak substandard oral English. Even Vietnamese people believe they have a better command of the English language than we do.

After working abroad for so many years, I have come to realize that foreign language proficiency is not only an ability, but a requirement for international communication. Americans rarely go abroad. Even when they do, they can rely on English to communicate, so they don't have to learn a foreign language. However, Nordic countries are small. Their citizens travel frequently and often come into contact with foreign tourists. Therefore, it is common for Scandinavians to speak several languages.

The more important argument in favor of learning English is to broaden students' minds and to enrich their lives and knowledge of the world. International news is reported everywhere around the world, but different countries have different reports. Knowing English or another foreign language allows us to see things from foreigners' perspectives and to clear up misunderstandings caused by cultural differences.

Con

Xia Zhibing

College teacher

I strongly oppose to forcing everyone to learn English by administrative means. It is a waste of human resources.

Admittedly, English is very important these days, but I don't think learning it is truly necessary. I can't understand why people should have to master English to pass qualification assessments and examinations when they don't use the language in their work.

If a job requires one to speak English, people will work hard to master the language, even if it is not compulsory. The time and money spent on English education could be used to improve workers' expertise, making them more effective, and advancing their careers. Any company whose business involves English communication can hire professional translators.

English can be a compulsory course all the way from primary school to college, but should not be a part of qualification assessments and exams. During postgraduate education, I suggest that students of all majors learn professional English so that they can communicate about their field of expertise.