“Let’s Inherit English as a Legacy” by Gong Byeong-ho

Although South Korea is a country where English is not used in daily life at all, it’s a nation that shows tremendous interest in “English education.” Thanks to this, there is significant attention paid to English education in schools, and English grades are required for admission to universities. Even in the process of employment after university graduation, English plays an important role, and proficiency in English greatly affects promotions in the workplace.

Especially as a country that lacks underground resources and relies heavily on exports in its economy, from an economic perspective, it can be said that English is essential.

Environmentally, due to these circumstances and being a nation with a high emphasis on education, many parents show exceptional interest in English education.

“Let’s Inherit English as a Legacy” by Professor Gong Byeong-ho is a book with a title that represents the inner thoughts of parents in such a societal context. This book was published in 2006. However, it contains valuable content that may still be helpful to parents concerned about their children’s English studies, as it directly reflects Professor Gong Byeong-ho’s experience in educating his own children and introduces his own optimal methods.

The main topic covered in the book is “How and when is it best to teach English?” In Part 1, the author elaborates on his educational philosophy based on various evidence. He cites examples from other countries, supporting his arguments with cases from countries such as Singapore, which chose English as a second language, and Finland and the Netherlands, where English is used as a survival tool.

Part 2 discusses “How to study English effectively.” It criticizes public education for not being sufficient for mastering English and argues for a focus on “conversation-centered English education,” which was ahead of its time as of 2006.

Furthermore, the author goes further to suggest the need for “immersive English education.” While immersive English education has become more prevalent compared to the harsh English education environment in 2006, the author’s argument can be considered quite progressive when reflecting on the past.

The book’s contents are outlined as follows:

“Part 1 Let’s Understand and Invest in English Education.”
- Chapter 1 How and from what age should we teach?
  - Language ability is determined before the age of 10
  - Early English education does not interfere with native language learning
  - Different brain activity areas depending on the learning period
  - What age is best for learning?
  - Immerse yourself in the sea of English at a critical age
  - How many years should you study?
- Chapter 2 How do foreign children study English?
  - Singapore, which chose native language as a second language
  - Finland, where English is a survival tool
  - The Netherlands with a well-exposed English environment
  - English proficiency in France is the lowest in Europe
- Chapter 3 Getting the best results with the same money in English education
  - Academies won’t do it for you
  - Don’t just trust native speakers
  - It’s hard to learn English through short-term language courses
  - Early study abroad is best in 3-5th grade
  - Success in early study abroad depends on reading and writing skills
- Chapter 4 How well-educated children studied English
  - English education for children under 10
  - English education from age 11
  - Study tips from English-speaking children
  - Study tips from local study abroad students
  - Suggestions for students studying in Korea
  - Suggestions for students studying abroad
“Part 2 Proper English Education Determines My Child’s Future.”
- Chapter 5 English is the language that moves the world
  - English is a global language
  - High-nosed France is changing
  - English is a language that produces knowledge
  - English is diplomatic power
  - English proficiency ensures survival
  - Gives the power and freedom to choose life
- Chapter 6 English education cannot be left to schools alone
  - English private education ranks first in the world, but proficiency is at the bottom
  - Does it cost 100 million won to educate English properly?
  - Elementary school English class hours need to be extended
  - Focus should be on conversation-centered classes
  - Immersive English education is urgent
  - Qualified teachers are needed to teach English properly
Epilogue To My Child, English as an Inheritance!

“When is the best time for early study abroad?”

If an environment for completing English education is not provided in South Korea, early study abroad can also be helpful, the author suggests. There are different opinions on the timing of early study abroad, but Dr. Gong Byeong-ho says, “Language ability is determined before the age of 10.”

Therefore, the optimal time for early study abroad is around the 3rd to 5th grade of elementary school. When going abroad early for English, it is recommended to go to a place where there are no Korean students and be exposed to an environment where English is used intensively.

“To excel in English, make it a part of play or daily life.”

Although English is often regarded as a subject like math or science, in reality, English is just a “language.” Therefore, the best way to learn a language is to be frequently exposed to it and use it without pressure.

Rather than thinking of studying English, the author says it should be made a part of play or daily life, and using it casually, even lightly, is the shortcut to becoming better at English.

“To succeed in English education, it’s good to have a systematic system.”

Ultimately, to succeed in English education, applying a systematic system is more effective, the author says.

Among them, the best system is to create an environment where students can learn actively. Even when choosing an academy, it is important to check whether it has such a “system.” Among them, the author says that academies that emphasize “attendance management” are good.

“How much time is needed to study one language?”

What is the minimum time needed to raise proficiency in any foreign language to the level of communication? The author generally estimates around two years.

However, to raise proficiency to the level required for academic purposes, it will take much longer. In this case, the author says it will take about 5 to 7 years. Especially for English, which has a completely different grammar and concepts from Korean, it will take even longer.

“What are the common mistakes Korean students make when studying English?”

The book also introduces “common mistakes Korean students make when studying English.” Especially, Korean students tend to overestimate their English proficiency, choosing classes and textbooks that are far above their actual level.

However, choosing materials or classes that are too advanced can backfire. It can lead to frustration or a slump. In fact, linguist Krashen introduces the concept of “i+1,” suggesting that choosing slightly more advanced textbooks or classes than one’s own level is most effective.

“About English education in Finland…”

The book also introduces English education in Finland. In Finland, students receive public education from the age of 7 to 16. In 3-4 years, they choose a first language and learn it for 10 years, then choose a second language in the 7th grade and learn it. The curriculum taught in schools mainly focuses on “speaking.”

Through this process, Finland has many people who can speak various languages and has a good educational output, according to the author.

In fact, the author was able to meet exchange students from Finland during his university days, and they were generally proficient in English and often had the ability to speak other languages besides English.

“Gong Byeong-ho’s Let’s Inherit English as a Legacy” is a book that introduces methods and content for effective English learning for children, as the title suggests. It explains the author’s educational know-how and effective cases from other countries based on his own experience. Although it was published in 2006, it contains content that can still be helpful today.

In addition, along with this book, reading “How I Taught English that Leads to Top Universities” by author Kim Su-bong would also be helpful.

“Let’s Inherit English as a Legacy”