French to remain compulsory in secondary school

Lao students will be able to speak both English and French but only if they commit themselves to study with greater commitment and effectiveness, Minister of Education, Prof Doctor Somkot Mangnomek believes.

“Students will have to study and use foreign languages more after class if they want to speak the languages fluently,” he told Vientiane Times on Wednesday.

Dr Somkot made the comment after the Ministry of Education announced a decision to require formal schools nationwide to teach English from grade three of primary school.

However, the French language will remain as a compulsory part of the curriculum in secondary schools.

The move has raised questions among parents about whether their children will be able to study both foreign languages effectively, especially French.

At the same time, students at university level face language challenges as most of the courses are taken from English written curricula.

At present only few graduating high school students are able to speak, read or write English or French fluently.

A lack of qualified foreign language teachers, suitable textbooks as well as poor quality audio and visual teaching aids are among problems cited.

Dr Somkot said the ministry’s decision to introduce English as a compulsory foreign language in the latter half of primary school was due to the increasing demand of communication ability in English as an international language.

He said the government decision to retain French as a compulsory language in secondary school was partially due to the fact the country was a member of French-speaking group of nations (Francaphonie). Membership requires the government to continue to recognise French as an official foreign language.

According to the ministry, the government still allows schools in border area with China to teach Chinese as second foreign language, and those schools located in areas bordering Vietnam to teach Vietnamese.

Students who graduate from formal schools can decide to study a foreign language such as English, French or German as their major in university.

Chinese and Japanese are also available at many private colleges.

Officials said the Lao government wanted students to acquire skills in foreign languages as a key to gain new knowledge and opportunities.

It is believed that if Lao people are multi-lingual, they will find it easier to gain employment or engage in business and trade with international organisations or companies.

Chinese and Vietnamese interests have remained top investors in Laos over the past few years.

The increase in foreign investment from these countries has also helped spur demand for people fluent in the Chinese and Vietnamese languages.

The demand for Japanese language skills is also on the rise. The nation is one of the major donor countries to Laos, and a source of tourism.

Although there is less Japanese investment in Laos, the number of Japanese tourists is now increasing after the government agreed to allow citizens of the country to enter Laos without requiring a visa.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
August 22, 2009
Vientiane Times