August 2011 Volume 7 Issue 3
Autumn Edition
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Title
Recent Developments in Pedagogical Research on Business English in China:
A Synthesis of Literature

Authors
Haisen Zhang & Guanfu Wang
School of International Studies, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing

Biodata
Haisen Zhang is an associate professor in the Department of Business English at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing China. He had an MA in literature and is currently pursuing his PhD in CALL at Beijing Normal University. He has attended international conferences such as AAAL and CALICO. His research interest covers pedagogy in business English, CALL, and teacher professional development. Address for correspondence: 10 Huixindongjie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China. Tel: 8610-64495020. Email: haisenzhang@uibe.edu.cn

Guanfu Wang is a professor in the School of International Studies at University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China. He has been teaching courses in Business English, business as well as cross-cultural communication and management over the past 30-plus years. He has been serving as vice president of China National Association of English for International Business since 1998. He has published extensively in the field of business English. His research interest includes business English, management, and cross-cultural communication. He can be reached at wgf1411@126.com

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the current status of pedagogical research on business English in China in terms of what has been achieved by Chinese researchers and practitioners as well as future challenges that they are facing. The study draws on a review of research articles published from 1999 to 2008 in Chinese academic journals. The articles (N=99) were retrieved for such review from a most well-known Chinese academic database, which is called the “National Knowledge Infrastructure” (CNKI). The analysis was made based on the data available from the database and results reveal that Chinese studies of business English are generally sporadic, discrete, and lack a sound base for recognized and justified research methods although “a giant leap” has been achieved in this field. The study concludes that pedagogical research on business English in China is still in an embryonic stage of development, that quality studies are few, and that more need to be accomplished. Finally, implications and future studies are provided.

Keywords: business English; ESP; pedagogical research; multi-competent business English talents