Learning Chinese will allow you to better understand one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Chinese culture is rich and varied, from silk and kung fu to renowned literature.
You’ll Learn a New Language
Enrolling in a Chinese course will help you learn the language more effectively if you’re a beginner. For example, learning how to distinguish between the different tones will make it much easier to remember which word means “mother” (ma) versus “horse” (ma). There are several ways to learn a new language, including taking a class at a local college or signing up for an online program.
Several tools can help you learn independently, such as using apps or creating flash cards. Another helpful tool is labeling objects around your home or office with Chinese characters and their pinyin pronunciations. You can even find Chinese-learning podcasts to listen to on the go.
One of the reasons that there’s been such a boom in interest in Chinese is because it can be applied to business. China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and many companies have offices in China. If you speak Chinese, you can communicate with these businesses more efficiently and potentially expand your career opportunities.
You’ll Learn a New Culture
Taking Chinese classes in Seattle is about more than just learning the language. It’s also about experiencing a new culture. China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, and its culture is vibrant. From silk and pottery to kung fu and ping pong, there is much to discover about Chinese culture.
Knowing Chinese will give you access to a huge market if you’re a business professional. Plus, it will make it easier for you to travel in and around China.
If you want to learn more about Chinese culture, consider attending cultural immersion courses at your local school. These courses will allow you to experience various activities, including calligraphy, taichi, and more. They’ll help you close the gap between your perception of China and what it truly is.
You’ll Meet New Friends
You will probably meet many new people if you learn Chinese with a tutor or in small group classes. These friends can provide support as you continue your journey and make your Mandarin more fun and accessible. They can also help you make sense of the tones and other challenging aspects of the language.
In addition, learning Chinese with native speakers can open up a whole new world. These individuals can tell you about their customs and traditions, show you the best restaurants in town, and introduce you to Chinese folklore.
You can access 1.3 billion potential speaking partners when you become fluent in Chinese. With that kind of power at your fingertips, you can experience China in a way that’s unique to your own needs and interests. You can uncover the millennia-old civilization on your terms and discover what makes China unique. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s well worth taking.
You’ll Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill is always good, whether it’s your job or something you enjoy doing. And one of the most exciting skills you can learn is Chinese. China is one of the world’s most important economic powers, and it has a rich cultural history that many people find fascinating. The ability to communicate with Chinese speakers will make you much more valuable in the business world and open up many new opportunities for you.
But how do you get started? Some colleges have succeeded with Chinese language programs by using campus advocacy, which involves running events that bring students together to practice their skills. Other colleges have focused on building relationships with local businesses and community organizations so that they can help their students find internships and jobs after graduation.
Another benefit of taking Chinese classes is that it will teach you a new way to think about language. Instead of focusing on memorizing words and phrases, you’ll begin to view language as a tool for problem-solving. This will positively impact your creativity and make it easier for you to pick up other foreign languages.
You’ll Get a New Job
Whether you’re a professional looking to switch careers or a recent graduate searching for that first full-time gig, it never hurts to expand your job prospects. And if you enroll in Chinese classes, you’ll gain the skill set necessary to stand out among less China-savvy competition during your next job hunt.
Many of our interviewees found their new jobs mainly through networking and connections they made in Chinese-related communities. For instance, Kyle used his Chinese skills to help find a position that allowed him to use his passions for environmental studies and adventure photography.
While enrollment numbers in Chinese language programs could be better, many of our interviewees found that their fluency in the language was a big selling point when applying for their current positions. Plus, some jobs—like teaching or becoming a translator—require academic credits that only enrolled courses can provide. So, while learning independently is always a good idea, don’t neglect to earn those all-important academic credits when you can! You may be surprised at the doors it opens.
