subject: Chinese Language Learningaccelerating Tomorrow's Growth [print this page] China's position in the world scene as a super power is hardly a point of contention. China has been identified as the fastest-growing economy for the past 30 years with an average annual GDP growth rate above 10%. An unparalleled growth in the public sector since the 1980s has given China the role that it now enjoys in the world trade scene. The stamp "Made in China" on an enviable range of products is the clear message of China's position in the manufacturing business map of the world. Exports along with public utilities and heavy industries have been the key areas that drove fiscal growth of this most populous nation in the world. It is no wonder that people around the world are showing noticeable interest in Chinese language and culture.
The increasingly popularity of Chinese languages and study abroad programs in China have become is proof enough of the interest level within first time learners who want to use their Chinese language skills for specific career needs. According to a report, Chinese is among one of the four most difficult languages for westerners, the other three being Japanese, Korean and Arabic. Immersion language programs that allow studying in China is therefore the best approach to master the language. However there is something else here. In America, Chinese language has surpassed French and Germany in becoming the second widely spoken language, along with Spanish. In France, there are more than a hundred universities which provide Chinese language tutorials. Chinese Studies have become the largest program in the Institut National Des Langues Et Civilisation Orientales, the world renowned research institute in Paris focusing on Asian, East European, African and Oceanian languages and civilizations.
Through increasing contact with the outer world stereotypes about China and Chinese culture are gradually breaking. People's interests about China and Chinese life are steadily growing. In 2007 a survey was launched jointly by China Central Television (CCTV), China's Beijing Foreign Study University and zhaopin.com with the goal of finding out the purposes or motivation behind learning Chinese languages among foreigners residing in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other cities. The survey showed that more than 200,000 foreigners come to China every year, either for work or study.
The survey also assessed that the top three reasons why foreigners were learning Mandarin are:
1. For vocational purposes and studies: 46%
2. Curiosity in Chinese culture: 18%
3. For future use : 14%
The numbers tell us that people are recognizing the practical value of Chinese languages. China is no longer just a museum of ancient mysteries and forbidden culture, studying Chinese is no longer just the preference of small group of minority, it is becoming a language that could generate tangible benefits. Whether you are interested in international business or government, learning Chinese will surely improve your career prospects.
