East Meets West: The New Generation of Students

  • Thread starter Ericpoke
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In summary, we are seeing a trend of Asian students coming to the US for education and then returning to their home countries, particularly in fields like hospitality and business. This has contributed to the success of countries like South Korea. Now, we are also seeing a rise in Westerners learning Asian languages, such as Korean and Chinese. While English has been considered the language of success, there may be a shift in the future as the Asian markets continue to grow. However, English will likely remain the dominant language in scientific and academic fields. There is also a prediction that East Asian countries will start to dominate global issues due to their lack of violence, and the West should pay attention to this development for economic reasons.
  • #1
Ericpoke
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So a lot of Asian students (Oriental side) come to the US to study but have been going back after getting their education, etc. This includes students from various common genres of today's workforce (Hospitality, Business, etc). In fact this was one of the sole reasons why South Korea today is such an amazing developed country.

Now the same signs are occurring in Hong Kong, parts of China (Other than Shanghai, etc) and even countries like Taiwan. More Westerners are now learning Korean and especially Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) than ever before.

It use to be that people wanted to learn English as it was considered the language of "success", it that not going to be the case in the next 30 years? I sense a shift.
 
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  • #2
Ericpoke said:
So a lot of Asian students (Oriental side) come to the US to study but have been going back after getting their education, etc. This includes students from various common genres of today's workforce (Hospitality, Business, etc). In fact this was one of the sole reasons why South Korea today is such an amazing developed country.

Now the same signs are occurring in Hong Kong, parts of China (Other than Shanghai, etc) and even countries like Taiwan. More Westerners are now learning Korean and especially Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) than ever before.

It use to be that people wanted to learn English as it was considered the language of "success", it that not going to be the case in the next 30 years? I sense a shift.
What do you want to say?

As markets with growth rates over so many years as the Asian markets, there is certainly an economic pressure to get involved. This might partially require to learn those languages.

As far as science is concerned: the "common" language, at least in the main fields we debate here, has always changed throughout history: Greek, Arabic, Latin, French, German, and now English. I think English won't lose this position any time soon, simply because it is so easy to learn - at least to the level needed to communicate in STEM areas, I do not talk about literature. Additionally it uses a quite simple alphabet compared to many Asian languages.

Thus we will have to distinguish economic requirements and scientific standards. The former will probably lead to more people learning, say Mandarin, but I do not expect the international language of STEM conferences (and probably more than just STEM) to change anytime soon.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your response @fresh_42 - Mostly agree but due to the lack of violence in East Asian countries (As compared to North America and Western countries), I feel this region will start to dominate global issues fairly shortly. I just feel the West shouldn't be sleeping on what's going on there like we have been. Or it will hurt us where it counts . . . economically.
 

1. What is the concept of "East Meets West" in relation to students?

The concept of "East Meets West" refers to the merging of Eastern and Western cultures in the context of education and the modern generation of students. This includes the blending of traditional educational practices from Eastern countries, such as China and Japan, with the more modern and diverse approaches of Western countries like the United States and European nations.

2. What are some challenges faced by the new generation of students in this globalized world?

The new generation of students face numerous challenges in a globalized world, such as adapting to new cultures and languages, navigating complex socio-economic systems, and keeping up with rapid technological advancements. Additionally, there may be conflicts between traditional values and modern lifestyles, as well as a need to balance individualism with collectivism.

3. How can educators effectively address the needs of this diverse group of students?

To effectively address the needs of the new generation of students, educators must first recognize and understand the cultural, social, and technological influences that shape their students' identities and perspectives. This can be achieved through cross-cultural communication, inclusive teaching methods, and promoting critical thinking and adaptability.

4. What are some potential benefits of the "East Meets West" phenomenon in education?

The blending of Eastern and Western cultures in education can bring about numerous benefits for students, such as a more diverse and global perspective, increased cultural awareness and sensitivity, and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It can also foster collaboration and innovation, as students from different backgrounds come together to share their unique perspectives and ideas.

5. How can students leverage the fusion of Eastern and Western values to succeed in the modern world?

Students can leverage the fusion of Eastern and Western values by embracing diversity and different perspectives, developing cross-cultural communication skills, and adapting to changing environments. They can also draw upon the strengths and values of both cultures, such as discipline and hard work from the East and creativity and individualism from the West, to excel in a globalized society.

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