English Lessons In Hong Kong For Asylum Seekers - NYTimes Article

English Lessons In Hong Kong For Asylum Seekers – They Argue, They Learn And They Wait

 

asylum seekers english lessons hk The nytimes.com recently reported a story titled “Arguing, Learning, Waiting” by Gordon Matthews.

The story was about Gordon Mathews, a professor of anthropology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who has been teaching English to African and Pakistani men, generally in their 20s and 30s, who came to Hong Kong seeking asylum.

 

Mr Matthews’ English teaching methods are perhaps a little unconventional as he prefers not to focus too much on English grammar rules but instead starts each lesson by asking controversial questions about social and global topics. His questions always initiate hot debate amongst his Muslim and Christian students, who are all well educated, well-informed and enjoy voicing their opinions about world affairs.

The asylum-seeking process is by no means an easy one and these young men certainly do have a tough life whilst in Hong Kong. The government does not allow economic refugees to work legally and it takes many years for their cases to be decided. These men are forced to stay in cheap, grotty accommodation and get by on whatever illegal, unskilled work they can find. In the end, very few get refugee status and most are rejected and sent back to their home countries.

Mr Matthews controversially says that the best bet for most of his students is to try and find a Hong Kong girl willing to marry them; this would enable them to reside in Hong Kong legally.

 

You can read the full article by going to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/opinion/asylum-seekers-wait-and-learn-in-hong-kong.html?_r=1

 

Vocabulary Check

anthropology

the study of humankind (in particular).

asylum
the protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.

unconventional
not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.

controversial
possibly causing discussion, heated debate or opposing opinions.

initiate
cause (a process or action) to begin.

hot debate
a passionate and enthusiastic discussion or argument.

to voice your opinion
to share your views or beliefs about a particular subject or thing.

grotty
unpleasant and of poor quality.

best bet
the thing someone should do which is most likely to achieve the result they want.

 

What’s Your Opinion?

  • Could the Hong Kong Government do more to make asylum seekers’ stay in Hong Kong more comfortable?
  • Should Hong Kong asylum seekers be able to learn English or Chinese for free
  • Is Gordon Matthews right to advise his students to find a Hong Gong girl to marry them so that they can stay in Hong Kong legally?

 

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