This essay explores key issues and developments in the growth of English public speaking as a course in Chinese higher education. Growing initially out of interest generated by national speech competitions, English pu...This essay explores key issues and developments in the growth of English public speaking as a course in Chinese higher education. Growing initially out of interest generated by national speech competitions, English public speaking has become a sought-after subject because of its value in today's globalized world. Focusing on English as a working language, it strengthens core skills and competencies not just in oral communication, but also in writing, listening, critical thinking, intercultural communicative competence, and overall English proficiency. Grounded in the Western discipline of rhetoric, it is being localized in China through creative adaptation by teachers and students alike.展开更多
文摘This essay explores key issues and developments in the growth of English public speaking as a course in Chinese higher education. Growing initially out of interest generated by national speech competitions, English public speaking has become a sought-after subject because of its value in today's globalized world. Focusing on English as a working language, it strengthens core skills and competencies not just in oral communication, but also in writing, listening, critical thinking, intercultural communicative competence, and overall English proficiency. Grounded in the Western discipline of rhetoric, it is being localized in China through creative adaptation by teachers and students alike.