‘Start Here’ to speak English
| Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua (C), Shenzhen Party chief Wang Rong (4th R) and other officials of the central, provincial and municipal governments at Thursday’s Universiade one-year countdown at Shenzhen Stadium. |
Tina Chen
“LET’S speak English,” Mayor Xu Qin announced at the launching ceremony of the “Shenzhen Speaks Foreign Languages” campaign at Thursday’s 2011 Universiade One-year Countdown Ceremony.
The citywide campaign was organized by the city government to promote English language for Shenzhen citizens to provide better service during the Games.
“Welcome to Shenzhen,” Xu greeted international guests Thursday night.
Xu said a good English-speaking environment could bring the city and the world closer and facilitate international communication.
Li Yang, the founder of Li Yang Crazy English, and a group of volunteers from the Beijing Olympics led the audience of about 30,000 people at the Shenzhen Stadium to speak the slogan of the campaign — “Start Here!”
“Training for Universiade Organizing Committee officials and Universiade volunteers began last August,” said Zhang.
A manual of frequently used English phrases to be used during the Games will be compiled by the company with tips for pronunciation and understanding.
Workers in public sectors such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, hotel and restaurant staff, and tour guides will receive English training. English language training had already been provided for Nanshan District police concentrating on phrases related to police work.
More than 200 English-speaking promotions had been conducted since January, attracting more than 30,000 citizens.
Source： Shenzhen Daily Editor： 洪志科