> I think the problem with languages as they are taught here (I learned
> Latin, French and German at school) is  that it is targetted at passing
> an exam, and not speaking/understanding it in conversation.  

I don't think that thing with teaching language at school so much different
in Germany, or probably other places. After all, most at this age /are/ in
school to pass exams and not for much else :)

But English has become the de-facto international communication standard,
almost world-wide accepted, and that of course makes it easier (and
provides more motivation) to learn English (mostly after getting out of
school :) than, say, French or German -- unless you are in a country where
that language is spoken.

Gerhard
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