The English corner at Ren Da (People's University) :

How many Chinese already speak English and, if so, on what level, is a tough question to answer (eg. discussion). However, I would say that it is relatively safe to say that the proportion is increasing rapidly. Chinglish is under constant attack, even though far from being doomed anytime soon (a) for the obvious difficulties of learning a language that is completely different from one's own and b) for the foreigner in China's implicit wish that Chinglish may persist, since it can spice up daily life quite a bit ;))

Yesterday I happened to walk into one of the manifestations of the, especially younger, Chinese's considerable drive to learn English: the 人大英语角, the "English Corner" of the People's University. Every Friday night starting at 6pm people interested in improving their English while speaking, meet up at the east gate of Ren Da and get going. Even blackboards are provided for. I was impressed not only by the event itself, but also it's popularity. The square was packed, conversations agitated and, as it turns out, also their BBS is rather bustling: 6635 registered users!

Curious as I was I started asking questions regarding the reasons for the corner's obvious popularity. While learning the language connecting you to the world and international business seems to be the number one driving force, a secondary function seems to be just as important: "6:00 every friday night.. if you wanna participate this action, why not together with me?" says duqiangatom on the RUCEC BBS. Hehe, yep, the English speaking corner is a bit like AIESEC in that it's "side effect", "getting to know" (special) people (...) is very attractive and efficient.. ;)

Well then, if more people try to find their partner in life like this then the number, and may be even proportion, of people speaking a foreign language in Mainland China is soon going to be higher than the one in countries such as the US, etc. ;)

Great institution (also for the deliberative and learning effect of it.. ;) !


fun, language, China, education