Crazy English

The new wave of enthusiasm in China for training in English as a Second Language (ESL) is the brain child of a once shy student in high school, Li Yang, who now is a phenom and goes on stage in front of audiences of tens of thousands. Parents pay two months of salary to get their children, sometimes themselves, into week long classes (rallies) where the formula for success is to shout out in unison with Li quotes, jokes, articles etc in English. It all started when lack of success academically led Li Yang to get his room mate to join him for two hours a day shouting out their English homework and readings. Soon they expanded to 50 on campus. All have gone on to major success we are told. The originator is now a multi millionaire and has stayed home in China. Most of his colleagues live abroad. The phenomenon is known as Crazy English.
Source: CBC Sunday Edition, September 28th, 2008.