English learning in Chinese minority areas: the challenges and new directions

This paper examines the English teaching, the use of English, and the attitudes towards English learning amongst university students coming from Chinese minority areas. Starting with the introduction of China’s ethnic minority education, this paper explores the situation of current English education in minority areas in China. After the brief introduction, the paper describes the current English curriculum requirements in universities and schools based on the Chinese Educational System, including both major parts and ethnic minority areas. This is followed by a discussion of the research design to investigate the differences in students’ attitudes on English extracurricular between minority students and students coming from urban areas. Afterwards, research findings are provided. In conclusion, it provides suggestions and discussions of the challenges and new directions for minority English education.