BENEFITS OF LEARNING THE CHINESE LANGUAGE
As corporate borders continue to blur, the benefits of speaking a second (or even third!) language are becoming more widely recognized. One language that commonly appears on lists of the most significant business languages? Chinese.
- It broadens your cultural horizons.
As one of the world’s oldest and richest continuous cultures, almost 5000 years old, there must be some aspect of Chinese culture that will touch your heart and move you. Language skills in Chinese might help you better comprehend its culture. The Chinese language is a pictogram, unlike English or other Indo-European languages. There is the significance and a narrative behind everything. You will enjoy the artistic splendor of this ancient oriental language if you study it.
- Communicate in a variety of languages, not simply Chinese.
Because Mandarin is the official language of the world’s most populous country and the most widely used language among native speakers, it’s easy to see why its dominance in the business world continues to grow across a wide range of industries, from automobiles to consumer goods to pharmaceuticals and engineering. China also has the world’s largest manufacturing and export network, as well as numerous major global corporations such as Alibaba Group, C-Trip International, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and SAIC Motor Company.
- It enables you to discover more about your travel adventure.
If you enjoy traveling, then learning the Chinese language is an absolute must. To travel throughout the country, you will require some Chinese language skills, as many will not speak or comprehend English in rural areas, or even in tier-second or tier-third towns and counties. Mandarin is the only language that is widely understood throughout the country. Once you can speak fluent Mandarin Chinese and comprehend what other natives are saying, you will have a hassle-free adventure in China, even if you are traveling alone. Reading and listening to this language will also help you better comprehend the local history and traditional practices.
- It could help your college application.
The ability to speak and use a second language, particularly Chinese, can help your application stand out. Many colleges and universities require at least two semesters of a foreign language as part of the core curriculum in the humanities and liberal arts. As a result, learning Chinese as a second language can really help you get into college and graduate.
- It makes it easier to enjoy Chinese films, TV shows, and music.
Chinese entertainment is growing at a breakneck pace. Though there is always an official translation with subtitles to assist the viewer in catching up with the content, translations may not always make immediate sense. If you want to enjoy these Chinese entertainment genres properly, learning the Chinese language is your best choice.
Bottom line:
‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head,’ Nelson Mandela famously observed. When you speak to him in his native language, it touches his heart.” Given the cliché that business is all about relationships, and the fact that Chinese has been dubbed “the business language of the future,” there is no better way to prepare for a truly worldwide business career than by studying Chinese.
