Society

Beijing to spruce up residents' English skills

By He Dan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-10 06:50

City plans to introduce English in all kindergartens in next five years

BEIJING - The capital city has become the latest mainland city keen on beefing up the English skills of its residents as part of its effort to be more cosmopolitan.

Beijing intends to popularize English courses in all kindergartens in the next five years, according to a draft work plan on the promotion of foreign languages released by the local government.

All government employees under the age of 40 will also be required to master at least 1,000 basic English sentences for their daily work, the 2011-15 Work Plan of Capital International Language Environment Building announced on Thursday.

The plan will focus on 15 government sectors and service industries including public security, transportation and healthcare to enhance English aptitude.

According to the plan, traditional Chinese culture will still be the educational focus, yet global communications should be integrated in English teaching.

Beijing made the move after Shanghai, China's financial hub, unveiled in June an eight-year English training program for government officials who are deputy bureau chiefs or above.

In late June, Xi'an, the provincial capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, also introduced an ambitious plan to become a world city in 10 years, requiring half of its population to master 900 English sentences.

"It is OK for children to learn English in kindergartens, otherwise many parents will still enroll their kids in English training classes outside of school," said Beijing resident Gao Jiaying, the mother of a 5-year-old boy.

However, some people have expressed concerns about teaching kindergarten children English.

"I don't feel it is necessary to teach kindergarten children English, they will be easily confused by studying Chinese and English at the same time," said Xu Ying, an associate professor on diplomacy with the School of International Studies in Renmin University of China.

"For those who may need to use English or other foreign languages for work, 1,000 basic sentences are far from enough. How are you going to respond if people don't ask you questions within the 1,000 sentences?" Xu asked.

China Daily

(China Daily 07/10/2010 page3)