Why learn Chinese?
There are lots of reasons why it’s smart to learn Mandarin Chinese.
But if you have any doubts left about learning Chinese, let us put your mind at rest. The number 8 is a lucky number in Chinese culture, so here are 8 reasons why learning Chinese with Meridian could bring you good fortune.
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Recession-proof your career!
Better job opportunities, job security and more money
Whether you’re a victim of the current recession or not, learning Chinese can turbo boost your C.V. Despite the global turmoil, China is the only one of the world’s top 5 economies that’s still growing and many predict China will lead us all out of recession.
Chinese isn’t just useful in the worlds of commerce or low value goods; you can pick almost any profession and it soon becomes obvious that knowing Chinese opens doors.
In technology, design, local and national government, travel and tourism, entertainment, online businesses and even in hospitals and healthcare there is an increasing need for staff with Mandarin Chinese language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture.
Whatever the profession, global organisations value employees with the advantage of language skills and the language they all want for the future is Chinese.
Don’t be fooled either into thinking that Chinese will only be useful if you live and work in China. Western companies seeking to do business in China place bi-lingual and bi-cultural candidates at the top of their most wanted list and 9 out of 10 company directors in the UK see China as their biggest opportunity.
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You’ll broaden your horizons
…expanding your cultural understanding & appreciation.
China has a fascinating culture that remains relatively undiscovered and sometimes misunderstood by the west and there is no better way to unlock the vast riches of Chinese culture than by learning the language which has survived over 3,500 years.
In a world still troubled by cultural ignorance, learning all about one of the oldest and greatest civilisations will give you revealing insights into the world’s next superpower.
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You’ll be perceived as more intelligent
Speaking any foreign language will do this but speaking Chinese has a certain “wow factor” that is undeniable.
Chinese is widely perceived as one of the most difficult languages to learn for non-native speakers (even though English is actually far more complex!). So those who know just a little bit of Chinese are looked upon as being cleverer and more dedicated.
And the good news for you is Meridian makes Chinese easier to learn.
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You’ll have broader social opportunities
Speaking (or even studying) Chinese opens up your business and social circles to the ever-increasing wave of people learning Chinese language and culture for their careers or general interest. You’ll find a whole world of events, functions and activities built around a common interest and a network with a surprising mix of fascinating people.
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You’ll find it useful outside of China too.
Chinese is the most spoken language on the planet. Unlike many other foreign languages, you’ll find it useful and beneficial to speak Chinese well beyond the borders of China because Mandarin is used in many of the most active economies in the world.
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You’ll improve your mind and mental agility
It’s now well documented that learning Chinese has cognitive benefits. As Chinese makes use of left and right brain functions, learning this language can improve problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
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You’ll have more interesting and rewarding travel opportunities and experiences
Whether you’re travelling on business or holiday, if you speak a little Mandarin in any Chinese speaking country or community just watch the positive difference in how you’re treated, all because you made a little effort. Better service in restaurants and shops, friendlier treatment from the locals, better understanding of the place and people you’re visiting are just some of the benefits of learning Chinese. It’s obvious really but if you speak just some of the language, you’ll get more out of your trips. And if things go wrong with anything from travel arrangements to medical emergencies, you’ll find them easier to sort out if you speak some Chinese.
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It’s fun, modern and fascinating
Some say Chinese is the new French. Others even say Chinese is the new English. That may be a bit extreme but there is no doubting that learning Chinese will give you enormous enjoyment, intellectual cache and deeper access to the longest surviving and fastest re-emerging culture in the world.
China’s ever-increasing influence on the world is also opening up a dazzling range of new career opportunities and those who can speak the language and understand the culture will have a clear and significant advantage over others.
