[Valll9]

Here in Quebec, there is a law forbiding buisnesses and shops to advertise in English only. French has to be present. Also, francophones can't get in any English schools if their parents or grandparents didn't go. Many other rules like these were created to make sur Quebec would stay a french province. But with all of this, I think there are many more people who are learning English. Even here, so many employers ask to be bilingual...

[HUE]

Here in Japan, I haven't seen much difference in the ability level of English learners. That said, the ones who study usually are a little more serious than in days past, mostly because there isn't as much money to throw about. If people (or businesses) are paying to learn English, at least 60% really try to get their money's worth.

My personal opinion is that their will be more and more need for well-trained ESL / EFL teachers in the near future. Globalization, outsourcing, and English as the lingua-franca all up the need for people to use English.

Any other ideas?

[DaveESL]

Well, the state of English (and of English teaching) here in China is pretty bleak, although it is probably "better" than it was before. I don't think I need to worry about being phased out anytime soon though.

As far as Chinese becoming the dominant international language, I don't see it happening. There is such a global infrastructure for English education and for conducting business in English that the momentum is simply too great. Also, while I feel that learning to speak Chinese is easier than learning to speak English (especially from the point of view of grammar), reading and writing might be prohibitively difficult.

Hmm...
Dave