How important is it to learn English?

English is used worldwide in communication and business, and is the working language of the Asean bloc. To mark English Language Day on April 23, Vientiane Times asked some Vientiane residents for their thoughts on the importance of learning English.
 

Mr Khankham Vongsavang, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: I think English is important because it’s used by many countries for the purpose of communication. If we don’t learn English, we miss the chance to keep abreast of new trends. Knowledge of English is more in demand than ever now, because more and more foreign companies are running businesses in Laos. English is important because we must use it to advertise products, tourist attractions and the Lao way of life to foreign investors and visitors. I think it would encourage more people to visit Laos if we can attract them with interesting advertisements and helpful information about our country. I learnt English and it has helped me to communicate with foreigners and make progress in my work.
 
Ms Chanmee, an employee in Xaysettha district: I think English is essential for communicating with foreigners, especially as Laos is part of the Asean Economic Community. Speaking English can help to make Laos’ voice better heard in the international arena, and we can inform more people about our cultural diversity, special attractions and great food. Nowadays, many foreign companies are interested in setting up operations in Laos, which creates job opportunities, but first people need to learn English so they get priority when it comes to being hired. My knowledge of English has helped me a lot in my work. I can talk comfortably with my foreign employers and I can say it was definitely worthwhile learning the language.
 
Ms Bualoy Phanchantha, a student in Sikhottabong district: Learning English opens up more possibilities for communication. It would be great if more people learnt English so that they could find work in other countries. Knowledge of English opens up doors to more jobs. English should be used more widely in Laos because it makes communication and understanding easier. I also think that if Lao people are familiar with English, it will enable them to participate in regional integration in terms of cultural exchanges and economic and political matters.

Mr Khammoun Silaphone, an employee in Xaythany district: I think speaking English helps to brings people closer, and because Laos is an Asean member state, use of English should be more widespread in Laos to enable easier communication, faster development, stronger regional integration, and improved work skills. This would give us a skilled pool of workers that can take the country forward through their strong communication skills. Wider use of English would also boost Laos’ chances of graduating from Least Developed Country status in the near future. And English should be the first choice for Lao people if we want to connect with other countries through political ideology, economics and socio-cultural affairs.
 
Ms Moukda Vonesanid, a student in Xaysettha district: I personally think that if you can understand English, you can go almost anywhere in the world because English is widely known and is truly an international language. If we want Laos to develop more quickly, we should popularise the learning of English in both rural and urban areas. This would also enable us to communicate more with visitors. I believe a good knowledge of English will enable me to do well in my work and allow me to apply for jobs that require English. It will also give me a chance to further my education and get an international scholarship or even a job abroad. I urge all young people to learn English and other foreign languages, so that we can effectively communicate with foreigners. If we keep on trying to build our knowledge in this regard, I believe that everyone will excel in their chosen field.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update April 25, 2022)