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Nearly 60 percent of university students dare not approach foreigners to begin a conversation in English. Up to 62 percent of high school students say they would not speak when meeting foreigners, according to a recent poll conducted by TVBS.
Why this hesitation about speaking a language that is now a staple in Taiwan's education system? Probably because English is not an easy language to master. English is often taught in Taiwan as a set of rules, not as a living language. But English has as many exceptions as it has rules.
Local people are also probably put off by the reaction of native speakers when they attempt to express themselves in English. While local people are generous with their praise for anyone who attempts to speak Chinese, most English speakers take a "So what?" attitude. They are not trying to be hurtful, but it is a simple fact that a lot of people are learning English. English has established itself as the world's premier language for communication.
For this reason, it is welcome news that authorities are considering allowing native speakers to become teachers in educational institutions. When local students hear English as a living language, they will be encouraged to use it. Confidence has a lot to do with learning a language, and most foreigners respond warmly if someone is genuinely trying to communicate.
If students start young and learn English over the course of their education, this can only be beneficial for the study of English on the island. |
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