ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the history of English education in China focusing on the ti–yong dilemma and discusses Crazy English, which seems to be free from this dilemma yet embraces another set of paradoxical values. Since the very beginning of English teaching in China initiated by English-speaking missionaries around the time of the Opium War, their efforts were met with ambiguous reactions and responses. As the country with the largest population learning English as a second language, China undoubtedly holds much interest for researchers in the field of English education and other related areas. Crazy English, founded by Li Yang, one of the most popular English training brands, and certainly the most controversial, offers a fascinating case study. By distinguishing ti from yong, Zhang aimed to not only maintain the integrity of Chinese culture but also strengthen it with Western knowledge at its service.
