Comments on: English Corner

By: Ashley Tyra

Ashley Tyra — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:06:57 +0000

Reading about English Corner is inspiring. I had no idea such a place existed in China. It is amazing that Chinese students know speeches given by American leaders better than US citizens do. English Corner is a great example of freedom of speech in a place where Americans believe it doesn’t exist at all.

There is a place with similar inspirations to this in Berkeley, California. The “Free Speech Monument” located in Sproul Plaza bears the inscription, “This soil and the air space extending above it shall not be a part of any nation and shall not be subject to any entity’s jurisdiction.”

I would love to visit English Corner while we are in China. So far it is one of the things I am most intrigued by, and I would love to experience it myself.

By: Georgia

Georgia — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:37:37 +0000

This sounds interesting- I would definitely need to brush up on some history though! It’s a little sad to hear that Chinese students get together on a Friday night to discuss history and politics, I’m not so sure a lot of American students do the same, especially so in-depth about another country. I don’t know if it’s against the rules of an English corner but I would definitely have some questions to ask them. It would be great to discuss how they felt about America and about their own country.

By: Fred S.

Fred S. — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:32:26 +0000

It is ironic that the campus that holds the English Corner was built by the CCP and that its many participants are children of famous Chinese leaders. It is ironic because the students of the English Corner give so much interest and praise to the United State’s system. They say, “America is very good. America is our model.” It shows that the U.S. government, through its many flaws, is a well-regarded system. It is especially marveled by countries like China that are enjoying new freedoms and great economic growth. It is a system that is built for freedom.

It will be interesting to see the systems of China develop as these kids become the managers and leaders of the country. Soon English Corners will exist like they do in California and the rest of America… everywhere! I can’t wait to visit the English Corner, get to know my peers in another country, and here their current views on China and the United States.

By: Keith Cody

Keith Cody — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:31:14 +0000

In the UK, if you need a soap box, you go to Hyde Park. You could say that everywhere in America is the English Corner, or speakers corner - Freedom Speech is the first amendment after all. Everywhere you go, someone is talking about something, gathering signatures, asking for donations, etc.

To me, English Corner represents something else; it’s a desire to know more about America. I cannot think of anything similar. Unfortunately, David Chappelle’s Ask a Black Dude might be the closest thing.

I find it most fascinating that the open dialog is conducted in English. I wonder if this is to get around censorship and other oppressive law, or just a cultural quirk of the area. We read about Chinese citizen’s lack of freedoms. I wonder how true it is and how much is stereo type. Is there a Chinese Corner someplace at the university.

I would love to experience English Corner. During this trip, I’m hoping for as many opportunities for cultural exchange as possible.

By: Jeffrey Brown

Jeffrey Brown — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 07:32:21 +0000

The practical & symbolic value appears to be embodied by a desire to know as much about the American culture as possible. While being enrolled in this program and planning to go on this trip to learn more about China is somewhat comparable to English Corner, it is by no means equal. I believe I will get out of this experience what I put into it, and if I put forth the effort I can make this experience comparable to English Corner.

I am actually excited to partake in English Corner but am nervous at the same time that they will know more than I do. I feel I need to study and/or memorize the Gettysburg Address before I go! It is interesting that out of the hundreds of years of U.S. history they have made this part of it so iconic to our culture.

By: Charles Dornbush

Charles Dornbush — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:59:49 +0000

It is remarkable and also somewhat embarrassing that Chinese students know our history better than we do. Most of their questions on American policy I don’t think I could give very thoughtful answers to. I am very surprised that our history and ideals are taught and even celebrated at Chinese universities. I think going to English Corner would be an intriguing and valuable experience. If we do decide to go, I think we should all try be prepared for the complex questions and ready to ask them questions about China as well.

By: Grant

Grant — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:36:57 +0000

I never would have guessed that there would be such interest in American History and our roots. I just assumed the Chinese just wanted the American Dream. It is encouraging to hear that there are some who want to attain the roots of our country’s success, not just the fruit.
If given the opportunity to go to the English Corner, I think that would be a highlight. I would love to engage with the students there to share and hear insights.
I am not aware of any such types of meetings elsewhere. If they exist, it sounds like an even worthy of attending. Any opportunity to broaden our worldviews is worth the time it takes.

By: Daniel Fleek

Daniel Fleek — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:22:58 +0000

The English Corner in Renmin’s campus shows that Chinese people like and are fond of America. First off, I was surprised that on a Friday night there were that many Chinese students who wanted to exchange and share their views. The fact that they were sharing and comparing views on America and memorizing the Gettysburg Address was astounding. Besides in the classroom, I don’t think I would run into that many American students discussing another countries culture and history. However, I think a good place to learn about another cultures history would be at a museum. I went to the Bowers museum during Christmas break when they had the terra cotta warriors displayed. I was amazed at how much the tour guide (who my mom is) had to explain to me about the history and culture behind China’s technologically advanced dynasties including the Qin, the Han, and the Tang. By just looking at all the artifacts that were on display, I realized how advanced technologically China was even before Jesus was born. I have a lot of interest in going to the English Corner in China especially since they like Americans. I hope to be able to share my opinions about the US as well as learn about their opinions on China’s political and current affairs.

By: Vladimir

Vladimir — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:17:05 +0000

My first thought was: This won’t be fair. I haven’t recited the Gettysburg Address since fifth grade, I haven’t studied US history for over 15 years, and I don’t follow politics very closely. Although English Corner contains a pool of people that probably doesn’t represent China’s youth, I think young Americans generally pay less attention to their country’s government or history and more to individual opportunities. This is mainly because America is developed, rather than developing. I haven’t heard anyone in the US say that another country is his/her model, as a student at English Corner said about America. We don’t see significant changes in our country as Chinese students see in theirs, so we are more interested in what affects us directly. Focusing on personal goals is more practical for students entering the workforce than discussing history or current political events, unless they are relevant to their field. I am looking forward to visiting English Corner to learn how the students see America and its relationship with China. Why do they see America as their model? English Corner gives students an opportunity to speak freely and advance their understanding of America. I would say the closest thing to an English Corner in California would be clubs on college campuses (Often polarized discussion clubs such as Young Democrats or Young Republicans).

By: Kevin K.

Kevin K. — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:00:42 +0000

Eight p.m. on a Friday night and Chinese college students are gathering to speak about U.S. History, economics, and other educational topics? Reciting the entirety of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address? Good luck finding that happening at the majority of American universities. I’m am astounded by this post and article. The dedication and actual desire to learn and improve is just amazing. While most college students would be packing the bars on a Friday night, these Chinese students are reciting Abraham Lincoln — in English no less.

Judging from this article the students really do enjoy this meeting, and love learning about the US (their “model”). I think this would be a really interesting experience to visit as an American, just to converse in English and to get a firsthand impression of how China’s growing educated community feels about our country and have them explain any questions me may have about their’s.