??? I felt obliged to do this because too many people translate things on the Internet without properly learning how to use English. If a popular microblogger did this, they would rapidly transmit erroneous information about English.” — Cai Qiaoyun, a self-appointed “English policeman” on microblog ??? Anna Zhao ????LANGUAGE enthusiasts may have noticed that some of the most polished English sentences on microblogs (weibo) on Sina.com have been revised by “English Police.” Most responsible for this is a man in his mid-30s named Cai Qiaoyun. Cai was awarded the 2011 Education Master on Microblog by Sina.com last month.????? ????Becoming an ????‘English policeman’ ????As microblogs become an increasingly popular way of learning English, Cai noticed some frequently misused English expressions. He took it upon himself to eradicate the misuse of these expressions. Despite encountering much skepticism, he began to enjoy his role as self-appointed “English policeman.” ????“I felt obliged to do this because too many people translate things on the Internet without properly learning how to use English. If a popular microblogger did this, they would rapidly transmit erroneous information about English.”???? ????Persisting in ????morning reading ????Cai came to the public’s attention in July 2007 when dozens of children read English aloud with him in the early morning on Lianhua Hill in Futian District. He would do this every day in all weather. Recalling the 4.5-year habit, he said the biggest gain was gratification and pleasure reaped from seeing the growth of the children. One of his students, once a pupil of grade four, has become an excellent junior middle-school student who supervises his classmates during morning reading.???? ????Teaching for free ????Cai started a Web site to teach people English for free. The teachers are volunteers, mostly from abroad, who share the same interest with him to help those English enthusiasts. “All courses are free, you just need to tune in with us by downloading YY software,” he said. He committed to keep the course free, “we all enjoy doing this.” ????When asked why he did this, he said probably because of influence from his family. “I grow up in a happy family that was full of love. I want to give something back to society and that’s why I cenjoy being close to children.”???? ????Call for ????English volunteers ????“I pay foreign teachers to do morning reading. In 2012, I hope more volunteers can join us not only in Shenzhen, but also in other mainland cities. I’ll keep it running for free.” Cai said he was not doing this for business purpose and the major difference between him and other English training organizations was that he was not pursuing profit. ????“Many big training schools charge high prices for their lessons. If charges are to be imposed, I would open other platforms to provide value-added service at low price.” ????“I want to motivate more grown-ups via microblogs and children through morning reading.” “Children are easy to influence. Through interaction between learning and play, their interest in English is stirred up.”???? ????Opinions on ????English teaching ????“It destroys children’s interest in English,” he replied when he was asked his opinion about current school teaching. He showed he was not a professional educator but he had some smart ideas on English learning. He also admitted that his English is not among the best, but the most important thing is his leading role in motivating more people to learn English. ????“I didn’t expect to make big money by doing all this. It could have made me rich if that had been my intention.” When asked about his family’s attitude about it, he said they had expressed doubt, but he insisted on continuing. ??? Wishes for the future ????“Life is short but if I have influenced one person then my life has had meaning,” Cai said with a peaceful expression. ????He mentioned he has a detailed plan for a systematic training course starting from March. He promised to focus on cultivating a good reputation rather than pursue profit. “I want cheap and good language training to be accessible to ordinary people.” ????He says Shenzhen has good infrastructure and parents attach great importance to children’s education but more should be done to guide their learning. He hopes more Children can speak good English and broaden their mind by traveling abroad. | 