English as a second official language in Mongolia

Do you keep pace with the world which is developing day by day? Do you always get any information about what you want by surfing the internet, reading newspaper and watching TV?
Certainly you will answer “Yes” since you know English. But how many of Mongolians will answer so?

English is being spoken by over 400 million people as a first language and over 1.5 billion people as a second language. It has become the dominant international language in communications, science, business, aviation, entertainment, diplomacy and the Internet. It is estimated that the 70 percent of the information sources is in English. It follows that keeping pace with this world is difficult without English in 21st century. In Mongolia, English is necessary for not only getting information but also many things. Most employers require ability of English. Most scholarship programs include English tests. Even addresses of most shops and departments are in English. English is needed everywhere in our country.

But how many of us have acquired this language? Not that many, I guess.

Making English a second official language of Mongolia has been suggested by some politicians recently. Why not? It is a great idea, I think. Everyone in Mongolia would become able to use modern techniques and technologies and get information easily.
Country’s development depends on people’s development. Acquiring English will help us develop ourselves and then our country. Some people might think that making English our second language would lead us to forget our language, culture and traditions. Nevertheless, in my opinion, making English a second language doesn’t mean replacing our language by it. It would bring many good effects in tourism, foreign affairs and so on.

I’d like all Mongolians to accept this idea. Enjoy learning and using English!