China's opening up to the outside world and particularly its entry
into the World Trade Organization has led English to become the
most popular foreign language in
Tibet.
Experts said that English is becoming more popular in Tibet's
colleges and universities, as an increasing number of foreign
travelers are rushing to the land-locked region, and welcome the
assistance of translators.
Nowadays, many parents have sent their children to extracurricular
English classes to polish their language ability.
Cering, a father, said proudly that in 2008 he will send his
daughter, who studies English now, to a university in Beijing. "I
hope that she will be a qualified interpreter for Beijing
Olympic Games at that time," he said.
Different levels of English classes have opened in Lhasa targeted
specifically at children, adults and professional personnel.
A
Tibetan university student said that Tibetans have many
opportunities to learn English, because the foreign tourists who
come to Tibet love to chat with local people, which helps improve
their language skills.
(Xinhua News
Agency November 22, 2001)