Beijing Encourages Residents to Speak EnglishZhang Mao, vice mayor of Beijing, said Wednesday the municipal government will hold a series of activities to encourage more residents to learn and speak English.Zhang said Beijing as the country's political and cultural center should popularize English among its residents. Government officials, taxi drivers, travel agency staff, waiters and waitresses are the focus of the activities, added Zhang. Beijing is now bidding to host the 2008 Olympic Games. The 21st University Games will be held in the city as well. Young Beijingers often go to English corners on the weekends or surf English web sites to improve their English. Some 15 percent or about 12 million residents can speak English. |
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