don't learn madarin it will never get off the ground! support esperanto the coming universal language!

I don't think Mandarin actually is that difficult. It's very basic, once you're used to it. (Then again, I have yet to actually LEARN it...) But the hardest parts about it are the characters and pronunciation.

I think that Mandarin will become the next major language. Of course, it will spread slowly, first to the rest of the other asian countries before reaching North america or other continents.

In fact, my Korean best friend told me that in her country, schools are starting to teach Mandarin to students, not English.

Like Holliewood said, it wudnt hurt to learn Mandarin - although it is a difficult language. Mandarin, altho not an official language in many countries, still has an importance - go to Richmond, B.C. - you would think that you are in China over there.

As for Arabic, hearing this from a diplomat - it is a very good language to learn too apparently, especially if you are going to work for the American gov't.

quote:

Originally posted by DrStrangelove:
Mandarin is spoken in one very populated country.

I've heard that Mandarin is also spoken in several other Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia. And even if someone speaks Cantonese, the written language is still the same, so it's still possible to communicate. However, I do agree that it's not extremely necessary-my cousins there have been learning English in public schools for years now, and lots of business people and government officials know English.

Then again, if you are planning on going into business and China's economy is rising so rapidly, then knowing Mandarin would be a great selling point as far as getting a job. It wouldn't hurt.

Here's the problem with the "Mandarin is the next big thing" concept. It may be the most spoken language as far as numbers go, but as far as proliferation it's nowhere NEAR English or other European, or even Arabic languages.

Mandarin is spoken in one very populated country. English, Spanish, French, etc. are spoken as a second or first language in the vast majority of nations around the world. Hell, the official laguage of India's government is English, the second most populous country on the world and a rising star next to China.

And the main problem with Mandarin is it's incompatability with Western languages, a similar problem found with Arabic.

So for a practical second language, Spanish or French are still better second languages. You can deal with a huge number of companies or officials from a wide variety of countries. On the other hand, you learn Mandarin and you'll be able to converse with one nation, who's officials most likely already know English. If you plan on actually LIVING in China, yeah that's a good choice.

So in short, knowing Chinese can make you more competetive in certain fields. But as a practical, common second language that should be offered in schools? Stick with the romance languages.

Yeah, Spanish is much simpler...I don't think I will be picking up a third language anytime soon...

Unless you are planning to be in business where you would be expected to work with the Chinese, or you are planning on traveling there a lot, I can't see why it would be entirely necessary.

Well, I did hear that Mandarin is the most spoken language on a world scale. But, as far as America goes, we have such a growing spanish speaking population that its a very useful language to know especially if you are living close to the Mexican border. That way, you can order some good, quality Mexican food ...

So yea, I'm not too surprised they have started teaching it at schools in Europe, I just wish they would do that over here. I know you can take classes in it at some bigger colleges and community colleges. I know a few people who have "tried" to learn it. It is difficult though, since it is after all, chinese. But hopefully it will become more common in the US soon. I don't know if I would have wanted to learn mandarin in high school though...uno, dos, tres seems a whole lot simpler to me