The "English" programs over here are such an abominable laughing stock that I'm often asked to fill out my cousin's and nephews take-home examination papers all the way up to the University level.
After about 8 years of studying "English", I have a nephew (one of the brighter ones) who still can't formulate a complte and comprehensible sentence in English. They earn how to count up to one hundered, rotely repeat a few cordialities and idednditfy a few objects like "the table", "the book" or "the light.
I have to reeducate them constantly.
As far as their attitude to English is concerned, it can be summed up micely be the words of another college-age nephew of mine: "Ahhh, I donìt need it for my work (civil law) anyway." And, of course, I had to admit that she was quite right!!
Why don't the authorities do something about it? Oh right. Berlusconi and his neo-fascist friends have other priorities, I guess. The world's northernmost desert wind.
