After reading some opinions by fellow readers on the value of English, I noticed many of them seem to not fully understand the purpose of learning the language early.
A foreign language is like a key to a new trove of knowledge. So, are you learning how to make the key, or how to use the key to open that endless treasure?
The reality is that those who only start learning English in university usually use it just to read documents related to their field of study or work. They cannot use English as a key to open up knowledge and explore other cultures.
Vietnamese expats often remark that a child who grows up in a native English-speaking country can understand English jokes and humor much better than many adults who are considered to have good English.
If you consider these things useless because they do not earn you money, you are mistaken. Money does not always bring happiness or help you truly enjoy life as much as laughter does.
If you learn English only for work or academic purposes and to make money, then starting in university is fine. But that also means you do not fully understand the value of English.
When my child was just 5 years old, I bought an old computer, which at the time cost about VND8 million (US$314), so my child could watch short English-language cartoon clips on YouTube. Every year, I spend about VND3 million to buy discounted English books from bookstores or online. I also bought copies of English textbooks from other countries like Singapore or the U.S. for my child to self-study.
Many people think that to learn English, you have to go to a language center. I do not think so. My child has never learned English at a center or with private tutors.
Although my child’s English grades at school are not perfect, they are sufficient. If my child wants to take any qualification exam or certificate, I only need to buy them some materials to study and they will pass. Recently, my child took the IELTS exam and achieved a high enough score to apply for university.
Personally, I do not care whether my child becomes exceptionally good at English. What matters to me is that my child can use English however they enjoy.
When is the right time to start learning English?
*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI.Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.
