I think that is a wonderful idea what they are doing in the UK, personally.

An interesting tidbit I've read:  there are more people learning English in China than speak it in the entire world. 

-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Alan B. Pearce
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 2:04 PM
To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
Subject: Re: [OT] IQ test wanted.. .

>Would be interesting to see whether there are
>differences when the languages are so different
>as English and Chinese.

Chinese (I assume Mandarin) is now being taught as a compulsory second
language in a handful of UK secondary schools, as there is a recognition
that by the time those children get into the work place, dealing with
Chinese businesses will be quite widespread.

One of my colleagues was recently in Beijing on business, and was approached
by a number of Chinese young people as they were out and about. Most of the
approaches were oblique attempts at selling paintings or other items, on the
excuse of practising their English, but a handful were genuinely wanting
just English conversation, to improve their vocabulary so they could apply
for jobs at the 2008 Olympics.



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