Why Learn to Speak Chinese?

Learning Chinese has many benefits. Absent a specific reason to learn another version of Chinese, the best choice is Mandarin.

With literally thousands of symbols to master, written Chinese can be extremely challenging to learn, and I would recommend starting with spoken Chinese. Spoken Chinese is a totally different matter. With no tenses, no plurals, simple prepositions and no conjugations, Chinese at the spoken level is straightforward. Indeed, spoken Chinese is easier to learn than any European language.

There is no question that the Chinese language will become more valuable and necessary in the future. That is because China is taking its place among the great powers of the world, and is becoming a powerhouse. Already its economy is the second biggest, and it is hard to look anywhere without seeing something made in China. Speakers of the Chinese language will have more opportunities - this is inevitable as a direct result of the huge economic shift taking place. Would you prefer to speak to someone in your own language, or in a foreign one? Certainly I know how I would answer that question.

The US exports a huge amount of goods to China, and one fifth of the world's population lives in China. Chinese-based communication will undoubtedly increase and increase over time. Would it not be better to be able to participate without the help of a translator?

Also, there are exciting travel opportunities in China and Taiwan. Being able to communicate with locals makes any trip a much more rewarding travel experience. The benefits are huge.

Exposure to Chinese or Mandarin Chinese will allow you greater insight into China's vast and interesting cultural history.

Chinese is also one of the most studied languages in the US and Europe. Being able to include Chinese on a college application may give you an edge. For job opportunities advertised, you will notice more and more that Chinese speaking skills are being mentioned as a requirement or as a desired skill. Growing opportunities mean that you have to ask yourself the question whether you want to be excluded from this emerging wave. There is no need to answer, as the answer is obvious.

The mental challenge of learning another language is good for the brain. So there are benefits on all fronts - mental, physical, and financial, if you learn Chinese.

The author operates a Language Website, and you are invited to view his Learn to Speak Chinese recommendations. You may also avail on a Free 6-Day Learning Chinese Online Course.