Top 8 Reasons to Learn Chinese
by Carlos Cardenas
There are many reasons to learn Chinese. Many of these reasons are personal, such as speaking to grandparents or in-laws. Reasons to learn Chinese could also be career based, such as talking to Chinese co-workers or business partners. Below are eight reasons people learn Chinese; perhaps you will find a reason to begin your Chinese learning journey.
1. Most Widely Spoken Language
English is currently the most widely spoken language in the world. However, Chinese is the second most spoken language. Learning Chinese broadens your horizons by opening up a world of 1.3 billion people. The ability to communicate with Chinese speakers opens up many more opportunities.
2. Job Opportunities
Because Chinese is so widely spoken; speaking it is very beneficial to any career. More and more companies are working with China, and speaking with Chinese partners is very important. Here in the Bay Area, there are many Chinese speakers and there are probably some in your workplace. Learning Chinese will help with internal cohesion and create a better workplace.
3. It's not Impossible
Learning Chinese can be intimidating. If you are a native English speaker you may have heard that Chinese is an incredibly difficult language to learn. Good Chinese tutoring helps to make learning this language easier. For example, KellynKai’s Chinese tutoring built my Chinese ability from the ground up. Many tutoring services neglect the most basic elements of the language. KellynKai starts with Pinyin tones and builds from there.
4. A Whole New Perspective
Learning a new language opens up a new perspective. It alters your mind and enables a new way of speaking. Language opens the door to more expression. For example, there are more ways to express emotions or ideas in other languages that our native language does not have.
5. Bigger Social Window
Because Chinese is such a widely spoken language, learning it will broaden your pool of potential friends. You could travel to Chinese-speaking countries and make friends. Additionally, you could talk to many Chinese speakers around the world.
6. Mental Exercise
Learning Chinese, or any language, is a mental exercise. If you are looking for something to keep yourself busy or to challenge yourself, learning Chinese is a great option. It will stimulate your mind and be something you can utilize as a social skill.
7. Travel to China
Learning Chinese will open up the world to you. For example, it makes it possible to travel to China and fully immerse yourself in the culture and country. It will help you make the most of your travels.
8. Enjoy Chinese Media
Learning Chinese also opens up a plethora of new media for you to consume. For example, you will be able to enjoy Chinese books without losing meaning in translation and enjoy Chinese films to the fullest extent.