Hainan to promote language learning

The Hainan provincial government has published an action plan to encourage foreign language learning on the island as it gears up to build a free-trade zone and port.

The plan, which covers the 201925 period, is aimed at improving language competence and communication skills for employees in government bodies, schools, media and public agencies in Hainan. The languages include English, Japanese, Russian, Korean and French.

Hainan plans to promote language learning throughout the province, enable most island residents to understand basic international etiquette and enhance their level of foreign language communication, according to the plan, which was issued on Wednesday.

Under the plan, around 60,000 first graders at primary schools in Haikou and Sanya will start learning English this year. Currently, primary school students begin to learn English from third grade, in line with national practice.

Besides Mandarin, primary and middle school students already have one mandatory language lesson, which is usually English. Schools are encouraged to teach a second language, it said.