1

I was an examiner for a similar survey conducted in Hue with similar results.

Finding 100 (or 1,000 might be nearer the mark) native English speaking teachers for Sai Gon will produce little change unless the context changes dramatically. The Vietnamese are very pragmatic people and study only what is needed to pass the many exams that occur as they pass from primary to secondary to high schools and then to university. The English exams are multiple choice tests of grammar and vocabulary items with little test of writing or reading skills and no tests of speaking and listening abilities. What is concentrated on in schools is what will get a good mark in the multiple choice exams and until this is changed there is no incentive for students to broaden their language skills. Quite the reverse in fact.

But they sure know how to teach and learn English grammar. I have to wonder where they might find 100 native speaking teachers with the necessary knowledge to teach grammar to current standards. It takes more than enthusiasm and native speaking language experience to teach English here.

2

Agree with maureen, VN students are obsessed with grammar, I think more time needs to spent on the reading,writing and listening aspects of English.

3

#3 - I agree. I have lost count of so called English language graduates who cannot speak a single correct sentence in English. Two of of them were an "English language tour guides".

4

Dont forget Ralph, degrees are not hard to buy here in VN. I once worked at a very well know kitchen appliance company here in Saigon, the PA to the owner said she had a degree in Englis. Well if she passed the English test without paying someone money I will walk to Ha Noi naked with a ladyboy.

5

Eh, Chinese is the language of the future. So it doesn't really matter what they do with the English. ;)

6

I doubt that very much travel, not in the near future anyway.

7

If only we could find someone who passed the English test without paying someone money!!!!!

8

Ah yes, Roadking, never doubt the Chinese. You see, their plan is quite simple. Wait until the world has completely handed over their factories and power and then bam! order their own people to stop learning English (as there'll be no need for it) and stick the rest of the world into a horrible predictament: learn Chinese or take back all your factories. Well, we know that won't happen because then all the CEOs' incomes would drop dramatically and the world would enter into an even worse financial situation than its in now, etc. Nah, easier to learn a new language. That's their plan - I guarantee it! ;)

9

Interesting thoughts,have you stopped to consider that the Chinese have limited resources and therefore must buy from countries that actually use English to trade.I just cant see what you have said coming true, there are just too many variants for this to be possible.But I could be proved wrong, so its a wait and see.