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This study reports on findings of an investigation into Chinese students’ attitudes towards varieties of English before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. One hundred and eight college students in mainland China evaluated six English speeches by two American English speakers, two British English speakers, and two Chinese English speakers for social status, attractiveness, and language quality. To triangulate the data, an informal retrospective interview was conducted with a group of students, pertaining to their awareness of varieties of English and their attitudes towards the English language. Statistical analysis showed that native varieties were preferred to non-native varieties and that standard native varieties were favoured over less standard native varieties. Retrospective interviews revealed that the students’ attitudes were influenced by the entrenched native models in their teaching materials and learning environment. The interview data, on the other hand, disclosed that these students were aware of the plurality of Englishes, and some challenged the standards of acceptable English.
