A national English-language speech contest, "English Everywhere -- the Formosa Cup," which will be open to non-native speakers of all ages and backgrounds, is to be held at the end of next month.
"We would like to remind our government that in promoting English as our second official language, it should not neglect minority groups such as Aborigines, senior citizens, and housewives," said Chi Hui-jung (
Chi said the event was inspired by the government's aim of making English Taiwan's second official language.
Established in 1988, the GOH foundation is a private organization that assists victims of child prostitution, child abuse and domestic violence.
Huang Ming-shia (黃明霞), an employee at a local insurance company who has signed up for the contest, told the Taipei Times, "I signed up because I have often encountered difficulties in dealing with foreigners or English documents at work. I want to improve my English by forcing myself to use the language in public."
The Formosa Cup will take place on June 31 and contestants will be classified into six groups -- students, English majors, office workers, housewives, senior citizens, Aborigines and NGO volunteers. Contestants will give three-minute speeches on one of six topics announced in advance.
A venue for the event has yet to be decided. Chang Hsin-fang (
Contestants will be judged on their pronunciation and English fluency, as well as on the content of their speeches.
The Taipei Times will be a co-sponsor of the event, along with radio station ICRT, Wan Hua Community University (
First prize is a round-trip ticket but the destination hasn't been determined, second prize is NT$10,000 and third prize is NT$5,000.
Premier Yu Shyi-kun sent the GOH an article, to be published in the Taipei Times next month, as an expression of his support for the contest.
For more information, call 0809-090-000 or go online to www.ale.com.tw.
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