At the end of 2006, Beijing had 4.87 million foreign language speakers, accounting for 31.6% of its total resident population. Currently, there are more than 500 volunteers and qualified trainees who can speak foreign languages and provide services to Beijing residents.
In early 2000, in order to create a favorable language environment for Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games, the Beijing Municipal Government, launched a series of activities related to "speaking a foreign language in Beijing" in accordance with the principle of "popular, practical and interesting". The government has gained great popularity in carrying out foreign language activities. More than 1 million Beijing residents have got involved.
Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government and deputy director of the Organizing Committee of Speaking Foreign Languages Program Liu Yang said that in early 2002, the Beijing Municipal Government established the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Speaking Foreign Languages Program and founded a consulting group composed of foreign language experts. It also drew up a proposal for Speaking Foreign Languages activities (2003-2008). The Office of the Beijing Organizing Committee of Speaking Foreign Languages Activities also cooperated with departments of the Personnel Bureau of the Beijing Municipal Government to offer foreign language training to civil servants and service industry employees. In addition, Beijing launched an English proficiency test and unfolded a series of activities to promote foreign languages, such as recruiting volunteers who can speak foreign languages and provide services during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
In 2007, Beijing will continue to organize a series of activities such as foreign language parties. By the end of this year, Beijing will have about 4.93 million people speaking foreign languages, accounting for 33% of its total resident population.
(People's Daily April 18, 2007)
