A prominent Chinese mathematician is reigniting a heated national debate by calling for English to be removed as a graded core subject from elementary schools through universities. Tang Jiafeng, a professor specializing in vector algebra, argues that the country’s intense focus on the foreign language detracts from children mastering their native tongue and reflects an outdated reverence for Western culture.
Tang, whose students have achieved perfect scores on state mathematics exams, questioned the return on investment for such rigorous language instruction. He pointed out that the Chinese writing system does not use an alphabet, making English particularly difficult to learn, yet it remains weighted equally with Chinese and mathematics on critical entrance and graduation exams, where a maximum of 150 points can be earned.
“How many resources and how much time do our children, parents and schools invest in a subject that is completely irrelevant to the majority of people in their future professional lives?” Tang asked. The mathematician also highlighted the rise of artificial intelligence, noting that tools can now translate content instantly, further reducing the practical necessity of exhaustive English study.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from those who view English proficiency as essential for maintaining China’s global standing. Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the state-run Global Times, argued that foreign language skills are vital for any global citizen living in an era defined by globalization. He warned against pitting traditional cultural ties against international engagement, stating that such a dichotomy risks politicizing public discourse and setting the wrong priorities.
Hu emphasized that English as a core subject promotes equal opportunity, providing students in rural areas with access to international resources and knowledge. He added that research in STEM fields is predominantly published in English, and removing the requirement could hinder China’s competitiveness in future-oriented scientific topics.
The debate also extends to higher education, where universities are adapting to shifting student interests. Beijing Foreign Studies University has introduced a “foreign language plus major” curriculum, combining English with fields like law, information technology, and economics. This shift mirrors historical tensions, such as those during the late 19th-century Self-Strengthening Movement, when scholars like Wei Yuan advocated learning superior foreign skills to eventually surpass Western powers.
As China continues to promote its own language and culture abroad, particularly in regions like Africa, the domestic discussion over the role of English in education remains a flashpoint between cultural confidence and global integration.
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