Like most Westerners, just a few years ago you might
not have been thinking very much about China. However,
these days China is all over the news. You, like
more and more people, may be wondering, "Should
I be learning Chinese?" The answer is a resounding
"Yes". It is fun, easy and interesting!
The following are the top 10 reasons why learning
Chinese is a smart business move for the young professional
or career-minded person.
1. 5000 Years!
Chinese culture is over 5000 years old. By learning
the Chinese Language, you will learn another culture.
Learning a language gives you a better understanding
through the grammar and even how the words are derived
of the culture behind them. There is a lot of Chinese
poetry that lose some meaning when translated.¡¡
2. Because everyone else is doing it
OK, so not everyone else is learning Chinese. But
did you know that Chinese is the fastest-growing
language studied in the US? Enrollment in college
Chinese language courses is at an all-time high.
Recently a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress
to provide Chinese language classes even for high
school students. Other countries are even more advanced
in this regard.
3. To stay competitive
In a few short years, these myriads of workers
fresh out of college will be hitting the work force
with Chinese speaking skills. By learning Chinese
now, you set yourself apart as a pro active person.
Not only will you position yourself to compete with
the new entrants, you can also take advantage of
increased opportunities that arise as trade with
China grows.
4. Chinese is easy, fun and interesting!
Chinese is mentally stimulating and interesting
and fun! --- Chinese words are artistically formed
by a combination of meanings: e.g., "crisis"
is "danger + opportunity"! "Chinese
classes are the funniest class I have ever attended.
It is unusual - my friends took common foreign languages
and they were jealous of me for taking such an interesting
language! It's a great conversation piece!"
Says by our student Allen from London.
5. Manufacturing
China has 1.3 billion people, a workforce that
is good at labor-intensive jobs, and lower costs.
Enough said. But these factories often have foreign
management, consultants, accountants, etc. And these
factories also have to deal with the other end of
the global supply chain. By learning Chinese, you
can help provide the links between these factories
and American companies.
6.
Because the Chinese market is the largest consumer
market in the world
It's not just about manufacturing and outsourcing
any more. Today, Western companies are looking at
the Chinese economy as potentially the most profitable
market in the world. According to the Department
of Commerce, more than 16,000 American companies
sell products in China. The China of today is not
the China of yesterday. In China, urban teenagers
are seen walking with an MP3 player in one hand
and a cell phone in the other, just as in America.
The Chinese are hungry for consumer goods -- foreign
goods to boot. Western companies need professionals
with Chinese speaking skills to build links with
Chinese companies, form partnerships with Chinese
companies, and market, brand, and sell products
to the Chinese.
7. Because your career may depend on it
So we already know that a) outsourcing to China
is growing and b) there are already many young professionals
in the pipeline learning Chinese. Suppose you are
a manager having to make the unfortunate decision
about whose job to cut: what are you going to do?
Are you going to cut the person with the keys to
potentially the most lucrative market in the world,
the one who showed foresight and proactivity by
going to learn how to speak Chinese to begin with?
No, I don't think so. That person is too valuable.
Learning Chinese can only help your career and give
you more options.
8. Because 1.2 billion people speak Chinese
That's right, 1.2 billion! Talk about having access
to a greater social and professional network! Can
you think of one other activity that could possibly
open up more doors than learning Chinese?
9. Beijing 2008 Olympics
The Turin Olympics just closed. The next day headlines
touted China's preparation for 2008. China's government
realizes (as do most of the people in the know)
that this is the "coming-of-age party"
for China. Beijing 2008 is not only symbolic of
China's emergence onto the world stage of economic
power but also pragmatic, as it helps Beijing showcase
its flourishing economy and to deepen ties with
Western companies. By learning Chinese, you can
be ready for this historic event and take part in
it.
10. Because it's not as hard as you think
That's right. Learning to speak Chinese is not
as hard as you think. Unfortunately, many Chinese
schools and Chinese learning materials have given
students the opposite impression. However, modern
technology can aid in the learning process dramatically.
Furthermore, most professionals will find that learning
to speak Chinese will be enough without learning
to write Chinese characters (which is what really
takes up the most time). In the modern age, the
computer can help you type anyway. At our Chinese
language school, we follow an approach that focuses
only on the most necessary communications and practical
applications. The Chinese language has a surprisingly
straightforward set of rules regarding speaking
and grammar. With the correct approach people can
find themselves speaking Chinese within a short
period of time. So by learning Chinese you can take
part in an activity that has huge benefits for your
career and your r¨¦sum¨¦ but takes less time than
getting a second degree or learning other skills.
