Does Learning English Return More Than the Local Language? Evidence From Chinese College Graduates

Abstract

Although the relationship between language ability and workers' wages has already been documented, it is still unclear whether one's mother tongue is more valuable than a foreign language. This paper analyzes the benefits of the local language versus English for Chinese college graduates. The results illustrate that the Chinese language has a higher rate of return on starting salaries than does English. However, at the level of higher wages, English has a greater rate of return than Chinese. Ability in Chinese mainly has an impact in the job search process, while English language proficiency exerts a consistent influence on wages. These findings indicate that both the local language and English should be given attention by individuals, schools, and the nation.