World Englishes Awareness: Insights From International Chinese Graduate Students in Thailand

Abstract English is one of the world’s most widely studied and spoken languages now. In China, the local variety of English, referred to in this study as China English from the World Englishes perspective, has been widely debated regarding its recognition as an English variety among Chinese speakers. This study examines the perceptions of Chinese graduate students majoring in English in Thailand toward World Englishes, China English, and their tolerance of China English in the Chinese EFL classroom after completing a 15-week World Englishes course. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with seven students and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings indicated that while students acknowledged the legitimacy of World Englishes and China English in various contexts, they resisted its use in English language classrooms in China. Instead, they preferred conventional pedagogical approaches that prioritize native English varieties, particularly British and American English. These findings suggest that language educators in China should integrate diverse English varieties into the classroom by incorporating authentic learning materials and designing relevant learning activities. Such an approach would not only expose students to English diversity but also enhance their intercultural competence and global citizenship.