Human Capital and English Language Proficiency in the Chinese Context

Abstract

The employment problem of college graduates has evoked concern around the world, which is particularly prominent in China in recent years. At the same time, English language proficiency of Chinese college students has been emphasized within their university academic requirements as well as from prospective employers. The consequent market pressure on Chinese college students to obtain language qualifications has created an environment where not only the utility, but also the symbolic value of English proficiency has become essential. Human capital theory describes the complex connection between language proficiency and employment, as a foreign language skill, English is similar to other human capital and has the potential for economic value. From the theoretical perspective for relationship between English language proficiency and employment of college graduates based on human theory, recommendations are made for further both scholarly research and practitioner policies, namely: National College English Teaching Syllabus, Regulations for Full-time Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree-granting, and Regulations for the Graduation Project.

The effect of parents’ support, protean career orientation and self-perceived employability on the school-to-work transition

“…Because past research has found human capital to be associated with positive employment outcomes (Luo and Daly, 2019), we expected the human capital variable of English language proficiency to moderate the serially mediated relationship between parental career support and their child's career outcomes. Contrary to both human capital theory (Becker, 1964) and prior studies of the positive influence of other human capital variables on career success (Ullah and Arslan, 2022), English proficiency did not moderate the serial mediation involving either career satisfaction or employment status.…”

“…Those with high levels of human capital are more effective at setting realistic career goals, making better career decisions and matching themselves to suitable employment opportunities (Baruch et al, 2005). Students with higher human capital are more successful in their STWT and have better employment opportunities (Luo and Daly, 2019).…”

“…, 2005). Students with higher human capital are more successful in their STWT and have better employment opportunities (Luo and Daly, 2019).…”

Perspectives of business stakeholders about EMI in Turkiye

“…Based on the implications of HCT and treating English the language as a tool to enhance the chances and opportunities to be employed, prior studies examined whether English proficiency (e.g., Chandramohan et al, 2011;Luo & Daly, 2019) or studying in Englishmedium instruction programmes (Erling, 2017) would have any impact and increase individual capital in the job market and workplace. Their findings implied that both being proficient in English and a graduate of EMI programmes might increase opportunities and income in the workplace.…”