Reading, writing, math and English conversation are important. Note I said English conversation, not English.
Quote of the Day ( 11 )
Prime Minister Taro Aso, saying he wants to boost competency among young people for coping in the international community, such as promoting English conversation skills and increasing the number of foreign researchers and students coming to Japan. (NHK)
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11 Comments
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neverknow2
Aout time. There's only so much a book can teach people.
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TPOJ
My God, he said something logical.
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LoveUSA
this is really stupid. and how one is going to start conversing in English? without studying English? another nonsense from Aso
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alohajapan
I understand what he means. The japanese study English from junior high to college and still can't speak a full sentence without screwing it up.
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mark_in_japan
TPOJ, I am as shocked as you are but I have to admit he got it right this time (not that the entrance exam driven system is going to change anytime soon).
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whyamiinjapan
Aso ain't so bad. Better than Koizumi anyway.
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PaulieWalnuts
I believe he is referring to japanese people actually starting to speak english rather than just studying it. confidence and fluency are far more important than accuracy. Maybe Aso has more rattling around in his noggin than I credired him for.
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Midnightpromise
While working in Korea for 6 years I took zero language classes and yet was quite conversant with my co-workers and neighbors before I left.
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jessssicaaa
I volunteer to be a one of the students coming over to help! ;DD Pick me! where do i sign up!?
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helloklitty
Those* were* language classes.
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helloklitty
Sounds like fewer than 200 hours of study while 800-1000 is necessary before competence is achievable. Why are you surprised?
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