Is learning English not as important today?

Is English not the universally important language anymore? While many in the non-English-speaking world are frantically trying to learn English, China has decided that English is not as important as other subjects for the university admission test or 高考 as it is more commonly known. Perhaps the focus on English has led to lower grades in other subjects? Highly possible, since the Singapore Education Ministry has deemed this so, only in reverse. In Singapore, the focus on Chinese language can cause so much stress to parents and children that the latter end up scoring poorly in other subjects such as mathematics and science, subjects deemed easier than Chinese.

Granted, not everyone has a knack, talent or flair for languages (whichever word you may prefer). For some, grammar and spelling are enough to drive one crazy. For others, being able to communicate in another language sends them on a high. Whichever type of person you may or may not be, language is essential to life. Even the deaf and hearing-impaired have their own language.

Chinese in China are going everywhere around the world. Although they study English in school, most of them cannot speak a word of English. Understanding spoken English is also close to zero. China expects the world to learn Chinese instead. Much of the world agrees. After all, China is a huge market.

Whatever your view may be, the fact is that both English and Chinese are gaining popularity around the world. If you speak either language, you can easily communicate with someone somewhere in the world. If you speak both languages, even better! You can probably travel anywhere in the world and find someone who can communicate with you.

Learning English and/or Chinese may be tough, but communicating with someone and seeing his face light up just because you speak a language he understands, is most rewarding. Learn a language today!

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