On the Dual Nature of Foreign Language Education in China

In the latest Guidelines on College English Teaching, instrumentality and humanity was proposed as the dual nature of college English course. This government document raised a debate on the dual nature of college English in China. Some different voice supported instrumentality as the single nature of foreign language education. From around the world, most of the government set up their own framework of foreign language education according to their social situation and economy development which mainly is a reflection of instrumentality nature of foreign language education. As advanced courses to enhance learners' language abilities, English for Special Purpose (ESP) and English for Academic Purpose (EAP) are more and more advocated by language experts. For a local Chinese university, to improve the quality of college English courses, the administrations should put enough emphasis on foreign language education and introduce additional English for Special Purpose (ESP) courses to the curricular system; teachers should focus on cultivating students' social responsibility, practical ability, and creativity through the teaching of language.