Hi,Michael.Nice to meet you here!I'm a student in the high school.I know you are a very good teacher from your blog.So I'd like TO ASK YOU a question if you don't mind. Do you think learning English is very important to Chinese student really?Why don't let all foreigners learn Chinese?Thanks! Panda

RESPONSE

Dear Panda,

First of all, thank you for writing to me.  I was thrilled to receive your letter.  It is very nice that you took the time to write to me.  I hope that I am able to answer your questions.

 

Panda, to begin with, about one hundred years ago many educated people spoke French when they met people from other countries.  Today most people speak English when they meet foreigners.  It has become the new international language.  Did you know there are more people who speak English as a second language than people who speak English as a first language.  Imagine Panda, in China alone, there are more people who speak English than the sum total of all English speakers in the rest of the world!  Why is this?  Well, let’s look at the culture of English….

 

Panda, there are many reasons why English has become so popular.  One of them is that English has become the language of business.  Another important reason can be blamed on the popularity of American culture (like movies, music, Starbuck’s and McDonald's) that has quickly spread throughout the world.  As the culture of the English speaking countries, specifically that of America, spread throughout the world it also brought its language with it.

 

Panda, I have a question for you:  “Is it good that English has spread to all parts of the world so quickly?”  Quite honestly Panda, I don't know the answer to that question.  But, wouldn’t you agree that it's important to have a language that the people of the earth have in common; a language that allows us all to share our ideas, the hopes for our children, and future of our planet?  Panda, our world has become very global and we need to communicate with one another.  On the other hand, English is a fairly complicated language to learn and it brings its culture with it.  Do we really need that?

 

Whether English is the language of choice or the language of another country is chosen, isn’t a universal language needed?  Well, Panda, scientists have already tried to create an artificial language that isn't too difficult and doesn't include any one group's culture.  It is called Esperanto.  But it hasn't become popular.  But maybe the popularity of English won't last that long either.  Who knows?  One-hundred years ago, French was the language of choice for international communication.  Today, now, at this time in our history, there are more people in the world who speak Chinese than any other language.  Maybe someday in the near future Chinese will be the new international language.

 

For the present time, Panda, I think English is very important for not only the Chinese student, but for students worldwide who want to be a part of the global community.  Should Chinese be studied by those of other countries?  Of course, as well as any other language that will allow cultures to join together.  Communication is critical to the happiness and peace of all peoples and it is through communication that understanding is found.

 

I truly hope this helps you.  Please, if you have time, write again.

 

Michael