RECENTLY there was a letter under the heading “Let’s hope there’s proper response to the English problem” (The Star, Nov 12), about the non-mastery of English by unemployed graduates. The writer was responding to V.K. Chin's “Comment” (The Star, Nov 7) that six months is too short a period to master a language.
As a long-time language educator, I agree there are no shortcuts to master a language. But guided and informed by my experience, I also agree with the writer that after 1,600 hours a learner can be adequately equipped with a working knowledge of English to enable him to either join the workforce or continue his education.
