What ‘Crazy English’ can tell us? Inspiration and Motivation from Li Yang

Yunbao Yang,Huaying Zhang

doi:10.5539/ies.v1n2p18

Abstract

Issues regarding English language learning such as pronunciation, motivation and learning strategies are raised. Li Yang, an example of successful learner is cited for learners who are less successful in China. Fundamental issues that need to be dealt with include pronunciation. Phonetics is an area where there has been little emphasis in foreign language learning in Chinese schools but good learners of English commonly exhibit good pronunciation.

Highlights

Most students in China are not interested in learning English and English is the least favoured course
Chinese students are supposed to have their own strength in learning because most language learners are instrumentally motivated and instrumental learners are more successful in learning English as a foreign language (Yuan 2005, Yang, 2004)
In the context of learning English in China, pronunciation and phonetics have been weak and these issues are raised to gain the attention of language learners and researchers

Summary

Status of English in China

Over the past 20 years, the emphasis on the importance of English has never been greater and there is priority for English in the school curriculum. Students at university learn it for a Band 4 or Band 6 Certificate in order to obtain a better job because “most good jobs in China demand knowledge of English” (Wampold, 1993, p.11). English is a compulsory course from junior secondary school to the second year of university. English is used as a tool to gain technology and for the individual to obtain material benefits. Learning of foreign language is an inseparable part of the Chinese modernization. “English nowadays assumes an important position in the school curriculum as well as in people's daily lives in the People's Republic of China” (Yang, 2004, p.73). “English is the preferred language of world trade and commerce, science and technology and international relations” (Ford, 1988, p.4) and “foreign language is seen as an essential tool in developing and changing the core of the country’s economic system” (Burnaby & Sun, 1989, p.221)

Inspiration and motivation from Li Yang

Conclusion