University English for Academic Purposes in China

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxiv

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2. Theory and Concepts

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Introduction

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 3-9

   3. University Academic English: A Rising Global Phenomenon

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 11-20

   4. Learning Theories that Impact English Teaching and Learning

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 21-39

   5. English for Academic Purposes as a Critical Pedagogy

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 41-48

3. Practice

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 49-49

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   2. Vignettes of Chinese University EAP Learners

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 51-93

   3. Emergent Themes Surrounding Learner Vignettes

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 95-176

4. Revelations, Desire, and Legacy in the Science of EAP

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 177-177

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   2. Crystalization of Themes

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 179-191

   3. What is and What may be in the Field of University EAP

      • Xiaofei Rao

      Pages 193-199

5. Back Matter

   Pages 201-205

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This book uses an in-depth, phenomenological interview approach to explain the generational characteristics of today’s Chinese university youths and the critical dispositions they believe indispensable in acquiring English as an academic language in and outside school settings. By presenting the authentic voices of the recruited participants, the book clarifies how English for academic purposes (EAP), as an emerging global phenomenon and a research-informed practice, enables and empowers them for conscious self-transformation and critical awareness development through language study. The book also explores issues arising in the fields of general English language teaching as well as traditional and critical EAP, and discusses university English language learners’ learning needs and rights. The book further promotes a dynamic and transformative University EAP pedagogy of particularity, practicality, and possibility moving from the oppression of language education to its liberation, and the increasing critical consciousness among the present and future university youths in a time of great social changes.

• Critical Pedagogy
• University English
• In-depth Phenomenological Interview
• Chinese University Millennial Youths
• Generational Dispositions
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
• Second Language Acquisition (SLA)
• English Language Teaching

• School of Foreign Languages, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China

  Xiaofei Rao

Xiaofei Rao, Ph. D in Education, received her doctorate from College of Education, New Mexico State University (NMSU), USA in 2017. She earned MA from School of Foreign Languages of East China University of Science & Technology (ECUST) in 2004 and BA from School of International Law and Business of Sichuan International Studies University (SISU) in 2001. At present, she works at School of Foreign Languages of ECUST in Shanghai. Dr. Rao’s research interests include Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English for Academic Purposes (EAP) theory and practice studies, and critical pedagogy.


From 2009 to 2011, Dr. Rao was officially assigned by Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), China to NMSU as a visiting scholar and Chinese language instructor. She was awarded the First Honorable Chinese Teacher Grade K-2, Desert Hills Elementary School, 2009-2011 by the school district of the city of Las Cruces,New Mexico. She is currently a visiting scholar to College of Education of NMSU under the supervision of Dr. Anita Hernández. Dr. Rao is a member of Asia English for Special Purposes Association and of Shanghai International Studies Association.

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