Chinese College Student's English Language Learning Journey: Challenges & Strategies

The Chinese college student likely grew up in a predominantly Chinese-speaking environment, with Mandarin as their first language. They may have also been exposed to other dialects of Chinese, such as Cantonese or Shanghainese. Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on education, particularly in subjects like mathematics and science, which may have influenced the student's language learning experiences and priorities.

In terms of language learning experiences, the student likely started learning English in middle school or high school. English is a required subject in the Chinese education system, and students are expected to pass English proficiency exams in order to graduate. However, the focus of English education in China is often on reading and writing, rather than speaking and listening. As a result, the student may have limited experience with real-life English conversation.

Perceived difficulties with English speaking and listening may include difficulty understanding accents, trouble with pronunciation, and a lack of confidence in speaking. To overcome these difficulties, the student may use strategies such as listening to English music or watching English TV shows to improve their listening skills, practicing with native speakers to improve their pronunciation, and participating in language exchange programs to build their confidence in speaking.

Experiences and identity factors that might influence language learning include the student's socioeconomic background, their exposure to other languages and cultures, their motivation to learn English, and their perceptions of the importance of English in their future career or academic goals. For example, a student from a wealthier family may have had more opportunities to travel abroad and be exposed to English-speaking environments, whereas a student from a rural area may have had limited exposure to English outside of the classroom. Similarly, a student who sees English as essential for their future career success may be more motivated to learn the language than a student who does not see the same value in English proficiency.