China’s military personnel are not able to communicate easily and fluently in English, says the South China Morning Post. In an article it noted that English-language instruction in the military system is “outdated and unbalanced.” Senior instructors say the current system focuses too much on textbooks and not enough on practical use of the language, leaving personnel unprepared for real-life international interactions.
A study by three associate professors published in an air force magazine, noted the current focus on vocabulary, grammar rules, and reading and writing exercises. This traditional approach helps students pass written tests and decode military documents, but it does little to help them speak, listen, or communicate fluently in real situations.
They pointed out that in many military English courses, formal training in listening, speaking and translation makes up less than one-fifth of the curriculum. In some cases, students spend as much as 60 per cent of their time reading texts, while only about 15 per cent of lessons focus on practical communication such as discussing international regulations.
The current classroom style is also a concern which authors described as “a disconnect between the assessment system and actual combat needs”. Assessment is focused mainly on testing vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension and speaking and translation takes the back seat.
The authors warn that this gap in training matters increasingly because the PLA is more involved in international activities than in the past. Chinese troops take part in peacekeeping missions, joint military drills and global security operations where effective communication in English is essential.
“English is the common language of communication in United Nations peacekeeping operations, multinational joint military exercises and international military academic forums,” authors wrote.
They also suggest bringing in more professional English teachers who understand military needs, and updating assessment methods so that tests measure real communication skills, not just reading and grammar. The article further calls for increased use of technology such as online courses, conference videos and virtual command-centre simulations to create more practical environment.
