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Learning English Popular in Chongqing
Enthusiasm toward learning the English language is currently sweeping through this youngest municipality of China, boosted by both Beijing's successful bidding for the 2008 Olympics and China's imminent entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The English corner in a local McDonald's outlet has become a gathering place for young people who want to learn English discussing the exciting topic of the Olympics.
"I now practice English because I want to watch the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing," said an employee with a financial company. "I came just because I want to serve the Olympics as a volunteer," said another lady in the IT industry.
The city with a population of over 30 million is now bidding for the right to host the 2008 Olympic football match, which also highly stimulates people's enthusiasm toward learning the English language.
Various English training courses are popular throughout the city. Training classes organized by the local highest level language institute -- the Sichuan University of Foreign Languages, for instance, has attracted a large number of learners although the training fee accounts for about 10 percent of the local per capita annual income.
Many young parents also encourage their children to learn English and hope that they will be able to participate in the unprecedented event as volunteers in 2008.
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