Tina Chen
FOURTEEN representatives vowed to speak English on behalf of Shenzhen residents at a conference promoting English speaking Thursday at Wuzhou Guest House.
An action plan was also implemented at the first conference of the organizing committee of Speak <2022> Shenzhen a citywide event aimed at encouraging residents to learn English.
The representatives, including a customs officer, a police officer, a taxi driver, a nurse, a retired official, a volunteer, and students, vowed to promote English speaking.
The meeting was attended by 60 coordinators from members of the organizing committee. Members are required to develop a plan with details of proposals for the program by Dec. 15.
The program is designed to build a good environment for English speaking, said Vice Mayor Zhang Wen.
Initially launched to serve the 2011 Universiade, the program will also facilitate building Shenzhen into an international city, Zhang said.
As part of the program, the organizing committee of Speak <2022> Shenzhen published a guideline for the English translation of public signs Aug. 25.
The program has initiated a series of events such as the First Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition, 100 English sentences for taxi drivers, and a one-minute English TV program launched Aug. 12.
The campaign was first launched in June 2004.
