Comment on "Benefits of quick-start language learning" (China Daily, March 21)

Learning a language without the chance to practice and use it is a waste of time. Thus in my opinion, early education including a foreign language is meaningless. And if the foreign language is used as a benchmark it will put too much pressure on young kids. Some basic and fun learning that can provide a good foundation for future study of languages is all that is needed.

Moreover, we don't have enough good language teachers for that level of education. I think quick-start language learning will only create unfairness and promote class differences.

Therefore, I tend to support the idea of having English teaching removed from kindergartens. Rather, the educational authorities should think of providing better lessons in primary and secondary education, which is the key to a successful second language education. I notice that many teachers of English in China cannot pronounce English properly and mislead students.

Manman, on China Daily website

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(China Daily 04/16/2012 page9)