Korea seeks to be Asia's No.1 English speaking Country

Seoul - It has been a long time coming that any Korean government acknowledge that English is the de-facto lingua franca for business. The incoming government 's plan to boost public English education is stiring a nationwide debate over its viablity and even its implication for the national sense of identity. Koreans have much pride over the country, language and customs - and it is not difficult to understand why since they have come a long way with a unique and distinct culture.

The incoming Korean government intentions is laudable but it takes a nation mindset to change. Quoting the chairperson exact words "Whether you like it or not, English is one of the global languages. Moreover, int he situation where 90 per cent of the information on the internet is offered in English, our national competitiveness, is directly linked to English education" and "We live in an era where people's English skill is a core factor in determining the nation's competitiveness."

The fact that 10 years of English education fails to produce decent English speakers really shows that there needs to be changes.

The article rank Singapore as one their list of recognised English speaking countries that teachers will be sent to learn to improve their command of English. The other countries are: US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Singapore has come a long way....that the speaking of English starts at Kindergarden. It is a holistic approach and includes speaking, writting, proper sentence structure, reading, composition.