研究称甲克虫乐队及《哈利•波特》电影促使大家学英语

    A recent study released by Pearson, a famed learning company, said that The Beatles and the “Harry Potter” film series have been voted as the most popular sources of culture that have helped people learn the English language in China, fighting off competition from the likes of Justin Bieber, Madonna and Katy Perry and TV series “House of Cards.”

    The research, commissioned by Pearson English, surveyed 6,000 language learners globally, including 558 in China, to understand more about why and how they choose to learn English as a second language. While a key driver for many in the region was to make traveling abroad easier, 52 percent were also motivated to learn English to improve their career prospects, and with 44 percent of Chinese respondents stating that English should be the official language of business.

    The results reflect a recent LinkedIn survey in which 80 percent of global businesses agreed that individuals who are able to speak good English are more likely to succeed in their business.

    The research showed that those surveyed in China believe that William Shakespeare has demonstrated the best mastery of the English language. More surprising was their choice of celebrity English teacher. While people might think the majority of learners might like to take lessons with royals William and Kate, it is in fact Microsoft boss Bill Gates, with 23 percent of the vote, narrowly beating David Beckham (18 percent). It seems that Canadian songstress Celine Dion is the nonnative English speaker who has gone on to achieve most success through learning English, according to 40 percent of respondents, a long way ahead of Hollywood actress, Penelope Cruz (12 percent).

    “Thank you” was the most useful English word cited by respondents, and showing that we are all romantics at heart, “love” was the most favorite English word.

    (SD-Agencies)