16 Feb 2022

5 Reasons To Learn The Chinese Language

Today, many people around the world are being encouraged to learn Mandarin as China’s prominence grows. Although Chinese may never surpass English as the world’s most widely spoken language, there’s no doubt that learning Mandarin as a second language has many benefits.

From better business opportunities to making lifelong friends, taking Chinese classes offers a number of benefits across the board. In fact, the time has never been better to learn Chinese than today! If you’re still on the fence about enrolling in a Mandarin course, here are 5 reasons why learning Mandarin is a good idea:

1. Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world

With more than 1 billion speakers worldwide, you will always encounter native Chinese speakers from all over the world. The interactions we have with others give us the opportunity to build new connections and learn about a new culture. Generally, Chinese people are extremely friendly and welcoming and will certainly appreciate your effort to learn their language!

2. The gateway to a fascinating culture

You might be interested in ancient classics or in learning about Daoism. Or perhaps you simply enjoy Chinese food and want to try more dumplings. Learning how to converse in Mandarin allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture, which dates back 5,000 years.

A few of the most important historical events in Chinese history include the Silk Road, the Dynasties, the Opium War, the Royal Examination System, and the Boxer Rebellion. Over 56 ethnic groups make up China, each with its own cultural aspects. All of these have influenced the development of China into the country it is today and where it will go in the years to come.

3. Creates great business opportunities

The Chinese economy has grown so much in the last 40 years that it is now the largest in the world by purchasing power parity (PPP). There are now countless professional opportunities in China for those interested in working there. A solid command of the Chinese language puts you in a significant lead over your peers. This is often a requirement of those who wish to work in China or with Chinese clients.

Additionally, international businesses prefer to hire people with multilingual skills. As China is expected to play a considerable role in world affairs in the future, speaking Chinese may give you an edge when competing for important positions. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that so many are considering Mandarin courses as a way to upgrade their skill set.

4. Enhances the functioning of your brain

Language learning has been found to be cognitively beneficial in numerous studies. There is probably no better way to reap these benefits than by learning Mandarin, a language that is likely to be very different from anything else you might have studied. Learning Chinese is thought to require more mental effort than learning the English language, due to the differences in tones and characters. Imagine using a written language whose meanings are derived from logograms, without using conjugations or plurals!

5. Experience China like a local

While English can be understood in major Chinese cities, if you’d like to have an authentic experience of rural China, you won’t find many English speakers there. Learn Mandarin and see how your travel encounters will take on a whole new level. Travelling to tourist destinations is easier when you speak the local language, and you can even save money. When you learn to barter in Chinese, you’ll be surprised at how far you can stretch your budget.

Learning Chinese with Stanford Language Center

Finally, don’t overlook the fact that China is an amazing country to teach English and learn the language and culture. Opportunities like teaching English in China rarely come along. Besides, your professional and personal lives will be enriched in countless ways – from improving your public speaking skills to improving your understanding of the country’s economy.

Students at our language school have access to a wide range of Asian language classes, making it easy to learn a new language. Visit our website to learn more about our Chinese classes and get in touch with us today!