Forced beautification unrealistic

I could not help but be perplexed by the recent article by Jacob Bisterfeld suggesting China institute compulsory landscaping for homes, highways, and public buildings ("Forced beautification urged? January 20-26 issue). While I agree China could be a bit more pleasing to the eye at times, I still find it hard to accept Bisterfeld's words at face value. If Bisterfeld was serious in his suggestions, I have to think he is not very aware of the true economic condition of China and of the Chinese people themselves (per capita income ranks below the top 100 nations for instance). Some of his ideas are truly laughable. For instance, "a 50 metre swathe of evergreen and/or flowering trees at either side of railway lines, giving the traveller the illusion of travelling through a dense forest.?Maybe some foreign travellers are too used to the "illusion?of a developed country afforded by time spent in Beijing and Shanghai? Maybe foreigners should take a realistic look at where they are and truly grasp how the Chinese live and in what conditions they persevere to develop good character and maintain the roots of their complex and at times convoluted culture?

In 1996 I was forced to spend over 350 hours on Chinese trains (largely going to and from hospitals in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces) and truly some sights could be a bit more appealing for travellers. However, the resources required to make a 100-metre greenbelt along China's rail lines would be incredible. Having lived in rural parts of China, I personally think the Chinese people would prefer more farmland over Bisterfeld's beautification project.

Randy Davis, Shanghai

Book study alone can't get rid of fear

This letter is a response to "There must be a better way to learn English?by Huang Haiying. (January 20-26 issue)

I am staying in the New Mexico desert in the United States, and I can relate to how language is important.

I have a friend from Wuxi, Jiangsu. She lives here in New Mexico completing her studies. I really enjoy speaking with her. She is new to the US, here only since August of 2004, and I find it interesting how much of the English language she knows. However, as I understand from the earlier article, she lacks application of this knowledge and command of the language.

One of the main differences I notice in my friend from Wuxi is that she is not afraid to open up to new people. She is far from home but does not fear to say hello to someone who more than likely knows nothing about Chinese. This ability to trade ideas, language and culture, in my opinion, has put her ahead of many other foreign students when it comes to the command of the English language.

Throughout the years I've learned other languages too and understand the difficulty in doing so. Most of the time it is shyness about saying something wrong that holds people back. Book studies alone cannot help someone get over the fear that keeps them from speaking another language. The purpose of studying as with many other things in life is very important. It can be seen that memorization is not comprehension, and this can lead to knowledge that cannot be applied in efficient use.

I especially like the way Huang Haiying said that "Nobody told me that the real meaning of studying another language was communication.?Yes communication comes in many forms, because the human being has many senses, and these senses are to be used.

Efrain Grijalva, New Mexico USA

New Year's environmental disaster

When I was heading home in the downtown area of Shanghai around midnight on Lunar New Year's Eve, the Year of the Rooster was ushered in by noisy explosions of fireworks and cheers. Within a few minutes, the whole area was thoroughly riddled with smoke and fire. The bombardment of firecrackers echoed around almost every community, where people were all engrossed in the joy of the New Year's arrival.

The Chinese tradition of setting off fireworks has been an indispensable part of the celebration for the Lunar New Year. However, the environment is tormented by pollution every year. The air is filled with sulphurous gas, the streets are covered with debris from fireworks and rivers are defiled by chemicals. Police and fire brigades have to be on ultra-high alert to ensure the security of the whole city against fire-related accidents and casualties.

Although the government has gone to great lengths to avoid damage, loss occurs during the Spring Festival every year. And the clean-up of the city inevitably costs a lot in money and manpower.

Even with strict regulations and supervision, it has been hard to control fireworks displays in the city's downtown area in the past decade. The public's enthusiasm for the celebration blasts seems to increase every year.

But tradition is by no means unchangeable. In the 21st century, environmental protection has been a major theme worldwide. Shanghai, as the 2010 World Expo's host, needs to take more heed of environmental preservation. To change this annual polluting routine, for all of us, is a challenge. A more environment-oriented consciousness is what the whole society needs.

Wang Tao, Shanghai