Come as you are

I wish to refer to an article entitled "Melting Pot" by Mao Ning that appeared on September 13 in the China Daily. I take note of the writer's interest in exploring Penang and appreciate her praise for an island city of Malaysia that has been referred to as "The Peal of the Orient".

I wish, nevertheless, to categorically deny the misperception that the Embassy of Malaysia imposes a specific dress code on visitors to its visa section. To put the record straight, there is no such rule or regulation imposed by the embassy. The role of the visa section of the Embassy of Malaysia is to facilitate Chinese nationals who wish to travel to Malaysia, for business or pleasure. The imposition of a dress code would be unimaginable, if not unthinkable for a country that welcomes Chinese nationals to visit. As the writer rightly indicated in the article, Malaysia is a thriving example of cultural diversity and harmony, which is very tolerant of cultures and practices, including food and dress. In fact, it is this diversity that makes Malaysia a melting pot that attracts tourists worldwide annually to come back for holidays.

I also wish to underline that statistics have shown a steady rise in the number of Chinese nationals visiting Malaysia annually, and the visa section of the embassy receives streams of visitors daily. In this regard, the embassy will continue to encourage our friends in China to visit Malaysia to experience for themselves the warm and friendly hospitality that is uniquely Malaysian.

Lim Juay Jin

Deputy Chief of Mission

Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing

Language troubles

Comments on Raymond Zhou's column "A learning fad that's truly crazy" (China Daily, September 22, 2007))

"Crazy English" has existed for a long time. It has aroused great controversy since it appeared. Many people doubted at the beginning whether English could be learnt in this way. Some took it with a grain of salt, some set out on the "crazy" journey unwaveringly.

When I was a student, I also worshiped it, feeling it magical and unique and totally distinct from what I learnt at school. But gradually, I've found it's only fit for non-English majors. It is merely a means of overcoming timidity, while passing on some simple words and idioms. It has little to offer English majors. Of course, it can't be denied that it has helped inspire Chinese students' interest in speaking English without fear.

But since the "kneeling in gratitude towards teachers of CE" incident, the method's reputation has dimmed somewhat.

Cindy

On China Daily website

The problem is that Chinese students have come to expect English classes to be flashy multimedia game-driven experiences.

You need three things to learn anything in this world: time, a good environment and motivation. Only you can make these happen - not some silly school.

Jon

On China Daily website

The sad but true point in Raymond's article is the inability of students to say no to such crazy methods.

I think Li Yang is acting crazy for the financial gains to be had.

Why don't the most renowned schools in the world advertise that their programs are fun and entertaining? Perhaps because the people attending them are there to learn and are serious about it.

Students that complain "I hate English" should ask why they are studying it in the first place. If they were serious they would focus on getting the most out of every lesson, not asking for games and fun activities to amuse them in what they consider their free-time.

Ted

On China Daily website

The commercial element here is undeniable.

There are too many so-called revolutionary methods of learning that make the real purpose of learning obscure. We need real teachers and tutors, not mind-controllers.

June

On China Daily website

(China Daily 09/26/2007 page11)