Adhering to Norms or Embracing Variation? A Study of Chinese Business English Learners’ Linguistic Preferences

Abstract

English has become a global language and is now widely used in countries like China, where English is not the native language. This rise in popularity has led to questions about how English is taught and used in classrooms. This study looks at how 50 Chinese Business English students feel about different types of English, including China English. Using both surveys and interviews, the research collected information through a mixed-methods approach. The analysis showed that students have mixed feelings about China English. On one hand, they are starting to accept different forms of English, but on the other hand, they still believe that “native-speaker” English, like British or American English, is more prestigious. Even though many students now accept the idea that English can be used in many different ways, they still worry about being understood and being professional. These results help us better understand how English is used in Chinese classrooms. They also show that more research is needed to develop teaching methods that include local English forms while helping students communicate well in global settings.