More than 700 foreign language training institutions have been set up in Beijing to encourage people to learn another language, according to the Organizing Committee of Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Program.

In addition, the government has developed lectures popularizing foreign languages and introducing other cultures to enable people to get involved in picking up another language.

"The capital is becoming a more international city," Xiang Ping, deputy director of the committee, said during the 10th anniversary of the Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Program.

According to the committee, more than 5.5 million people in the city, about 35 percent of the city's permanent resident population, were capable of understanding another language by 2008, almost double the figure in 2002.

According to Xiang, the upsurge in language learning has also taken hold of the senior citizens.

Yao Lanyun, a 53-year-old retired Beijing resident who has been taking English at a public school in Xicheng district for one year, said she was already capable of picking up daily conversation and even giving directions.

"What you gain after mastering a foreign language can't be measured," said Yao, proudly. "Seniors particularly don't want to be left behind the times."

As the youngest among her "classmates", most in their 70s and 80s, Yao said she felt encouraged to work hard.

"I'm sure I'll be speaking fluent English when I'm their age," said Yao.

She was grateful for all the free classes provided by the retired teachers and student volunteers. "I'm lucky I can catch up with the good times," she said.

Jia Ke, a staff member at the school, said there have been more senior citizens signing up for foreign language classes in recent years.

"It's a way to do something worthwhile and figure out the true value of life," he said.

Kajiya Yoichi, an international student from Japan in Tsinghua University, who has been living in China for years, said he was surprised more and more Chinese are picking up foreign languages.

"It's getting more convenient to communicate in the country, since increasing numbers of people are capable of speaking English and even Japanese," said Kajiya.

To encourage citizens to get involved in foreign language learning, some 100 public lectures on foreign languages and cultures given by renowned professors will be provided in 2012, the committee said.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn