Abstract：With the economic globalization and the science and technology internationalization, English as one of the most important information carriers, has become the most extensive language. More and more people have recognized its importance. In China, the vast majority of people learn English as a foreign language. Chinese students are influenced by their mother tongue when they begin to learn English. The knowledge of the original Chinese language is bound to impact the new language system. Chinese and English have something in common, which can promote the understanding of the English language, and help English language learners increase the interest in learning English. For the new English learners, the proper use of Chinese in English class will help students study well. The paper begins with the analysis of the present situation of English teaching in China and focus on the application of Chinese in English class in Xinjie Middle School. By analyzing the questionnaires and interviews from the teachers and students of this school, the researcher gets the idea that the role which Chinese plays in elementary English teaching is evident.

Key words: Chinese; elementary English teaching; positive effect

中文摘要：随着经济全球化和科技国际化的潮流，英语作为最重要的信息载体之一，已成为人类使用的最广泛的语言，其重要性已为越来越多的人所认识。在中国，大多数人把英语作为他们的外语。许多学生在开始学英语的时候总会受到母语（汉语）的影响。英语和汉语之间有共同之处，汉语可以促进学习者对英语的理解和帮助学习者提高学习英语的兴趣。特别是对初学英语者，适当的运用汉语可以帮助他们更好的学习英语。本文从中国英语教育的现状出发，侧重于对新街中学英语课堂中汉语的使用情况的调查，通过系列的问卷和采访得出：汉语在初级英语教学中的积极作用是非常明显的。

关键词: 初级英语教学; 积极作用