8 reasons to learn Mandarin in 2016
Mandarin (pŭtōnghuà, guóyŭ, huáyŭ) is the most widely spoken of all Chinese dialects spoken as a first language in a vast area of northern and southwestern mainland China. There is also a huge diaspora of Mandarin speakers in Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA, and Viet Nam. With close to 850 million speakers, Mandarin Chinese is by far the world’s largest language. Nowadays, learning this language has become really important and is an added-value in a professional profile.
Here are some key reasons why learning Chinese could be one of the best decisions you can make.
1. The Chinese language will become more influential
Today, China has become more than a wonderful country holding old traditions and customs. Indeed, Chinese professional attract a lot of companies overseas especially in order to employ someone who speak a native mandarin within teams and to learn more about the Chinese market which is really difficult to approach. Then, companies need to get more information about the new Chinese consumers’ wave which has been born in the recent years and which have shifting expectation regarding innovations and products’ authenticity.Thus, the Chinese language, and especially Mandarin Chinese is becoming a language that is more popular in business and culture. It is no more just « a language spoken in China », Mandarin is becoming a global language much more influential.
2. Chinese is the first language in a lot of countries
As said above, Mandarin is the official language in Mainland China, and is also spoken in Taiwan, and in a large part of Singapore and Malaysia. Then, it is widely understood in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as Chinese communities around the world from the United States to Europe, and almost everywhere.Unlike India , where many different languages are used by different groups and in various locations across the country, the most of Chinese population speak and understand Mandarin at least, because it is the official language used in schools, universities and in the media.
3. Chinese provides access to an amazing and diverse culture
You can’t learn Chinese without learning culture at the same time. Indeed, when you decide to move in China for a long time, you want to adopt the Chineses’ lifestyle and their habits. Then, you need to adopt all aspects of this culture which influences every Mandarin language’s features including how it is written, characters, the way you express some ideas. In addition, while you don’t like Chinese art such as calligraphy or kung fu, try it! You will get a really good cultural knowledge about China.
4. Doing business with Chinese companies
You don’t need to speak Mandarin in order to make partnership with Chinese companies. Indeed, you always get documents translated in English and you work with interpreters. Therefore, speaking Mandarin is a huge advantage if you try negotiation. Then, you can establish closer relationships and communicate easier. If you use a translator, your interlocutor will notice it and it is not professional mainly because Chinese are really sensitive to your interest for his culture. Finally, you will impress your guests or partners by making this effort and this will create a better relationship between you.
5. Boost your travel experience in China / Taiwan / Singapore / Malaysia
Speaking Mandarin language will help you if you want to travel in China and all other Asian countries. Then, you will feel more comfortable especially in restaurants where there are only menu with pictures and you don’t understand the ingredients or in the street to ask your way if you are lost. Actually, It is really interesting to be able to speak with your Chinese neighbours or with merchants to purchase in the market. Finally, you can be surprised and make you some new friends.
6. Connecting with the Chinese people in your own country
China’s growth economy which has been noticed these last years has involved new Chinese population’s behaviour. Indeed, China has become richer and Chinese people want to travel more especially young student which have possibilities to go abroad such as USA or UK. In a lot of countries such as Canada or United States, there are a huge Chinese population. Consequently, speaking Mandarin will give you a better communication with them.
7. Getting noticed
Speaking Chinese language with a high level almost as a native is uncommon thing and can look to be spectacular skill. Then, if you apply for a job, this skill is a really added-value and you will be noticed by an employer. Indeed, today, Chinese is a recommended language to get a job and you have more chance to be hired because you are more a competitive candidate especially if you want to launch your business in China!
8. Challenging yourself
Mandarin language is really complicated to approach. Indeed, learning this special language is a huge issue and is a humility lesson if you try it! In addition, all the language’s features are different from yours ones including characters, the way you use its in order to make sentence, there is no grammar, there are only words and verbs you have to add to communicate, and the most difficult tools are tones you have to change when you are speaking. Be careful, you can have both same words written with different tones which totally change the meaning! If you like challenges, you’ll love learning Chinese!
SO LET YOU TRY !
