English is difficult

Besides CNN and other foreign TV broadcasts, TVRI and RCTI are now also airing English language news programs in the morning.

We realize English is a difficult foreign language for most Indonesians, and English is not compulsory in elementary school. Some elementary schools started to teach English in the fourth grade only two years ago.

However, I do not believe that Indonesians are poor learners of foreign languages such as English. I think it is the method of teaching the language that is not quite correct and needs reviewing. It is evident that many students, having finished their high school or even university education, are still not able to talk and write English properly.

It is also disturbing to note that the English used by the national broadcasters is not always correct. I noticed during RCTI's English program one sentence which was incorrect, with the person asking: "What is the national car 'Timor' stands for?" As far as I know, that sentence is grammatically wrong. The sentence should be: What does the national car "Timor" stand for?

I would appreciate further comment on this matter.

ALOYSIUS HARYONO

Jakarta