[marak830]

While I don't want to disagree with you about that locale, it's also taught here in Japan, and the English level is abhorebt. (Source: part time English teacher in Japan in my free time, taught every level from kindergarten to senior highschool).

My point being, teaching from an early age, while is an advantage, does not necessarily mean a good comprehension or ability to speak.

[Tharkun]

I had a chat with a bunch of Japanese university students last month. They told me the same thing. They told me their English classes weren't too bad when it came to grammar, but they hardly ever practiced speaking the language. I can't even imagine learning a language without speaking it!

Edit: sausage fingers