Re: Smart to teach Mandarin, Letters to the Editor, Burnaby NOW, Feb. 22.

Trevor Ritchie, who usually proclaims the virtues of socialism, this time decided to praise the wisdom of teaching Mandarin in Burnaby schools.

Nevertheless, his published opinion suggests that he would very much benefit from studying English.

He hopes the increased funding for teaching Mandarin would serve "as a compliment to the French language program, not as a competitor to it." He most likely meant as a "complement" to the French language program. Not very impressive for a university student.

So, I would suggest, Trevor, forget Mandarin. Study English for now.

Michal Adler, Burnaby