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[摘 要]The paper reports a study on learning beliefs and strategies of English experts in China in attempt to reveal beliefs and strategies English experts in China have or have used and the relationship of these beliefs and strategies.The subjects involved in the study were 38 English experts in China.They were invited to write an article talking about their English learning experience.The data-analysis is listing all the items of English learning beliefs and strategies that English experts in China have mentioned and working out the total times of each item and its percentage.The data were analyzed qualitatively.The results showed 13 learning beliefs and strategies that English experts in China have mentioned.Due to the small sample size，the results yielded from this study will only serve as hypotheses to be tested in the future.

[關鍵詞]learning beliefs and strategies English expertssubject

[中圖分類號]G64 [文獻標識碼]A [文章編號]1009-5489(2009)10-0036-02

There are many different kinds of English language learning beliefs and strategies in different countries since English spread throughout the world.Even in one country，people have different opinions about learning English.In China，innumerable books have been compiled and published to discuss how to learn English effectively.Researches on English learning haven’t ever stopped since Chinese people began to learn English.It seems that，however，few systematic researches aiming at English experts in China have been carried out.This paper provides tentative research on learning beliefs and strategies of English experts in China，and generalizes the main English language learning beliefs and strategies of English experts in China，and reveal the relationship of these beliefs and strategies.

I.The definition of language learning beliefs and strategies

Language learning beliefs refer to the opinions of learners about how to master the language knowledge，language skills and communicative competence.In a sense，the series of opinions of foreign learners are a kind of learning theory.The formed learning theory of learners puts direct effects on their own learning behavior.If the language learning behavior of learners is to be adapted，their beliefs must be changed.Language learning strategy is directly used in English learning.Strategies mean the measures that the learners take to learn effectively.They play the most perfect regulation and control role for learning process.For language learners，learning beliefs affects choice and using of learning strategies.Hence，learning achievements are influenced.

Ⅱ.Research design

1.Subjects of research

English experts in China are involved in this case study.They refer to those who were born and live in China and got the Bachelor’s degree from Chinese universities，and who are professors now.They come from different parts of China.And they are all Chinese.Their mother tongues are Chinese and English is their second foreign language.They have all accepted advanced education in China.And they master English very well.They probably share some common learning beliefs and strategies.

2.Research approach

Harris said，“Choices of method …should be determined not by personal preference or current custom but by the nature and the problems of the data.” The study aims at investigating learning beliefs and strategies of English experts in China.Therefore，qualitative approach is adopted in the study.It is a descriptive one.Moreover，analytic approach and inductive approach are also used.

3.Data collecting

Since1999，the monthly magazine “English Language Learning”，which is the first and excellent journal instructing English language learning in China，has set up a special column named “What English experts say” in which one expert has been invited to write an article talking about his English learning experience each month.Some of the English experts are foreigners，the others are Chinese.Thirty-eight articles by English experts in China have been found.

4.Data analysis

All the items of English learning beliefs and strategies that English experts in China have mentioned are listed in a table.If one item is mentioned，a tick will be made in the correspondent column.At last，the total times of each item and its percentage are worked out.They are respectively: no shortcut(100%);strategies(100%);interest(37%);culture(24%);grammar(26%);listening(42%);speaking(39%);reading(74%);writing(42%);translation(18%);reciting(26%);dictionary(21%) and discussion(5%).

Ⅲ.Results and discussion

The results of this study are used to answer the following questions.The first one is which beliefs and strategies are closely linked with English language learning of English experts in China.The second one is what the relationship of the language beliefs and strategies is.

1.The beliefs and strategies involved in English language learning of English experts in China

According to the data analysis，the beliefs and strategies involved in English language learning of English experts in China are as follows: 1)No shortcut.All the experts state that there is no shortcut to learn English well;2)Interest and strategies of learning English are very important;3)Learning culture of both English and Chinese cannot be neglected;4)Reading some grammar books is helpful;5)Listening to English radio programs，like BBC or VOA and so on;6)Speaking falls into three types.One is reading aloud，including by oneself and after the recordings.The second is retelling (stories or news) or talking to oneself.The third is communicating with other persons in English.7)Extensively reading simplified and abridged English literary works，newspapers and magazines;8)Writing is made of three kinds.The first is writing diaries，letters and reading reports.The second is doing some transcription.The third is writing from memory.9)Translation;10)Reciting.Recite the famous articles，poems and passages.Even recite the dictionary.11)Using dictionaries correctly;12)Discussion.

2.The relationship of the beliefs and strategies

Experts think learning English well is quite uneasy.It’s full of difficulties and barriers.37% of experts think that learning interest can provide impetus which can make learners overcome the difficulties.And since there is no shortcut to learn English well，experts highlight diligence.Furthermore，in order to secure the complete success，all the experts consider that learning English requires scientific strategies most suitable for oneself.

As for a language，we know that listening，speaking，reading and writing are all important skills.Among them，74% of experts consider reading is the most important aspect.And extensively reading simplified and abridged English literary works is one of the most effective learning strategies.42% of experts attach the importance to the writing and listening.The next is speaking.It takes 39%.And experts emphasize that listening，speaking，reading and writing English every day.

26% of experts have used reciting strategy.26% of experts have mentioned that reading some grammar books is necessary.24% of experts appeal care of language culture.21% of experts mention the importance of using dictionaries correctly.They suggest that English dictionary should be used as soon as possible.Moreover，18% of experts consider translation as an effective way of improving English.And discussion strategy impresses 5% of experts.

Ⅳ.The significance of the study results

English learners can benefit a lot from the study results.According to the opinions of real experts，firstly，English learners should correct their attitudes toward English learning.English learning experience of experts tells English learners that there is no shortcut to learn English well.This is absolutely true.English learners must prepare a long-term learning plan.Secondly，since “interest is the best teacher”，English learners should do their best to love English.They are willing to make great efforts to master English.Thirdly，learning strategies of experts can help English learners find strategies most suitable for themselves as soon as possible.This can save plenty of valuable time for them.I believe that if the English learners do as what the experts have suggested，they will achieve great success.

Ⅴ.The suggestions for future research

1.The shortcomings of this study

The sample is not big.The number of investigated experts is only thirty-eight.The way of collecting data is single.Therefore，some figures are not absolutely accurate.The results can just act as hypotheses for future research.

2.Improvements for future research

It’s the first time to study beliefs and strategies of Chinese English experts learning English in the field.Hence，I think the related enlarged sample can be selected to repeat research to check the results of the study.Besides，the way of collecting data can be added.For example，interviewing and questionnaire may be employed.

[參考文獻]

[1]Wen Qiufang.2002.“Applied Linguistics: Research Methods and Thesis Writing”.Developmental Patterns in Motivation，Beliefs and Strategies of English Learners in China.Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press

[2]劉潤清:《外語教學中的科研方法》，外語教學與研究出版社2000年版。

[3]文秋芳:《英語學習成功者與不成功者在方法上的差異》，《外語教學與研究》1995第3期。