CHILDREN find Chinese difficult to learn not because it is not taught in a 'fun' way. The methods used to teach English and Chinese in school are not very different, yet children find English easier.

The main reason is that the environment is not pro-Chinese. Learning in a fun way is a good start to engage young children and develop their love for the language. However, if children are not encouraged to read Chinese books from a young age, they will never be engaged in the language, no matter how fun the lessons are. You can easily spot children reading Harry Potter, but hardly anyone reads Xi You Ji-sun Wu Kong. Nonetheless, teaching Chinese as a foreign language is probably the best short-term solution for English-speaking families.

The best way for Chinese Singaporeans to enjoy mother tongue is to bring back Chinese-medium schools where Chinese language and culture take priority.

Many Singaporeans who were educated in Chinese-medium schools in the 1960s have no problem with English at all. Our present prime minister is the best example.

Lee Lay Cheng (Ms)

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