Do People Speak English in Leshan?

If you are planning to visit or move to Leshan, a city located in southwestern China, one of your concerns might be whether people there can speak English. As an official language in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, English has become a global language that many people use to communicate in various fields, including business, education, technology, and tourism. In this blog post, we will explore the English language situation in Leshan and provide you with information about the city’s English proficiency, including the prevalence of English speakers, the use of English in schools, and the availability of English resources.

Overview of Leshan

Leshan is a prefecture-level city located in the southwestern part of China’s Sichuan Province. The city has a population of over 3 million people, and it covers an area of about 12,800 square kilometers. Leshan is widely known for its Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. The city is also famous for its Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter-tall statue of Buddha carved into a cliff face that attracts millions of tourists every year.

English Proficiency in Leshan

According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) 2020, which measures the English proficiency level of non-native speakers in 100 countries and regions, China ranked 40th worldwide, with a score of 51.27 out of 100. This indicates that China’s overall English proficiency is low, and the country has a long way to go to improve its English education and language policies.Regarding Leshan, we couldn’t find any recent studies or surveys specifically about the city’s English proficiency. However, it is safe to assume that the English proficiency level in Leshan is similar to that of other cities in China. Based on our research, many Chinese people, including those living in metropolitan cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, do not speak English fluently. Therefore, it might be challenging to find English-speaking locals in Leshan, especially outside tourist spots and major hotels.

English Education in Leshan

Despite the low English proficiency level in China, English is still an essential subject in the country’s education system. All primary and secondary schools, including those in Leshan, are required to teach English as a compulsory subject. However, the quality of English education varies widely depending on the school, the teacher, and the resources available. Some schools have qualified English teachers, modern facilities, and comprehensive English textbooks, while others might lack resources and teaching materials.Moreover, while English is a compulsory subject, some students might not have the opportunity to practice their English-speaking skills in class. Chinese schools mainly emphasize grammar, reading, and writing, but often neglect speaking and listening skills, which are essential for daily communication. Therefore, even if someone has studied English for many years, they might not feel confident enough to speak with a foreigner.

English Resources in Leshan

If you are planning to visit or move to Leshan and want to improve your English skills, you might be wondering about the availability of English resources in the city. Here are some English resources that you can use:- English books: Leshan has several bookstores that sell English books, such as Xinhua Bookstore, one of the largest bookstores in China. You can find a variety of English books, including novels, textbooks, and language learning materials.- English schools: There are several English schools and language centers in Leshan that offer English courses for students of all ages. Some of these schools are affiliated with international education institutions, such as Wall Street English and English First (EF).- English-speaking communities: While it might be challenging to find English-speaking locals in Leshan, there are several online and offline English-speaking communities that you can join, such as English clubs, language exchange groups, and expat forums. These communities can provide you with opportunities to practice your English skills and make new friends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the English proficiency level in Leshan is similar to that of other cities in China, which is relatively low compared to many English-speaking countries. While English is a compulsory subject in schools, many students might not have the opportunity to practice their speaking and listening skills, which are essential for daily communication. However, there are still English resources available in Leshan, such as English books, schools, and communities, that you can use to improve your English skills. Therefore, if you are planning to visit or move to Leshan, it is recommended to learn some basic Chinese phrases and bring a translation app or a phrasebook to facilitate communication with the locals.