Research Talk. English in China: The Interplay of Local and Global Forces

- Date
- Wednesday 5 March 2025, 12-1pm
- Location
- Social Sciences SR 14.33
Abstract
This presentation examines the dynamic evolution of World Englishes in the 21st century, with particular focus on the unique trajectory of English in China. Amidst profound influences of shifting geopolitical landscapes, technological advancements, and intensified globalisation, English has undergone significant transformations globally. China, with its distinct sociolinguistic milieu, offers a compelling case study of how a global language is locally adapted and redefined. This exploration is especially relevant as English in China has evolved from a mere foreign language to a vital instrument for international communication and cultural exchange over the past two centuries.
However, in the current climate of rising nationalism and anti-globalist sentiments, the future trajectory of English in China becomes even more intriguing. This talk will examine how the evolving variety of English in China mirrors the nation’s shifting relationship with the language, encompassing both linguistic and cultural-political dimensions. It will also scrutinise how this adaptation is reflected in educational systems, media representation, and everyday usage. Furthermore, the presentation will assess the impact of recent language policies that strive to harmonise the promotion of English as a global lingua franca with the preservation and enhancement of Chinese cultural identity. This talk aims to shed light on the future of English in China, considering both local and global influences.
Speaker
Dr. Lin PAN (潘琳), Beijing Normal University
Lin received her PhD from the Institute of Education as their Centenary Scholar. She is currently an associate professor and vice-chair of the English Department at Beijing Normal University (BNU), China. She also serves as the director for Global Issues and Language Education for the Special Topic Committee at TESOL China Assembly; she is a member of the executive committee for AILA’s HOLM ReN and a board member for China Association of language governance.
Before joining BNU, she was the John Adams Research Fellow and Coordinator for the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) at the UCL Institute of Education. She has also held positions as an associate professor at Beijing Language and Culture University and as a programme officer at the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Her research interests include language ideologies, sociolinguistics, and language education. She is the author of the book English as a Global Language in China: Deconstructing the Ideological Discourse of English in Language Education, published by Springer International in 2015. She co-edited Mandarin Chinese Teacher Education: Issues and Solutions, published by UCL IOE Press in 2018. Her most recent publication is the second edition of Exploring World Englishes with Philip Seargeant, which will be published by Routledge in 2025.