10 Benefits of Learning Chinese as a Second Language

Countless reasons can attract you to learn the Chinese language, the home to over 1.2 billion native speakers, as a second language. This most widely spoken language can benefit both your personal life and professional career greatly. The foreign language skill, especially the Chinese language skill, can bring a sense of accomplishment to the learner, and it is possible to reach many new opportunities. 

We will find out the most distinguished 10 benefits of learning Chinese as a second language in today’s post:

No. 1 It enriches you in the aspect of culture

As one of the countries that own the oldest and richest continuous cultures over 5000 years old in the world, there must be some part of the Chinese culture that will touch your heart and make you moved.

Chinese language skills can help you better understand its culture. Being different from English or other Indo-Europe language family, the Chinese language is the pictograph. The drawing and stroking of each character are not as simple as it looks. There’re meaning and story carried behind. By learning the language, you would appreciate the artistic beauty of this ancient oriental language.

No. 2 Widely spoken and getting trendy globally

The Chinese language is widely spoken not only in China. Mandarin is also spoken in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, and Mongolia. Therefore, if you’re going to further your study or run a new business in these countries and areas, it would be beneficial to converse in their language.

Many celebrities are learning Mandarin, including Prince George of GB, Princess Leonor of Spain, and Zuckerberg, the founder of FACEBOOK.

When everybody is learning this language, you may already be about late for doing it!

No. 3 It allows you to explore more during your traveling adventure.

If you’re a traveling lover, then learning the Chinese language is something you cannot miss. China is a huge country with vast land and territory. To explore through this whole country, you will need some help from the Chinese language skill, for people won’t speak or understand the English speaker in rural areas or even just in the tier-second or tier-third cities and counties.

Mandarin is the only language that works across the country. Once you can speak fluent Mandarin Chinese and can understanding other native’s speaking, and then you will enjoy a hassle-free adventure in China, even just by yourself. And being able to read and listen to this language will also help you better understand the local history or folk customs.   

No. 4 It boosts your career and makes more job opportunities available for you.

Learning the Chinese language as your second language can be a huge advantage if you’re trying to be an outstanding candidate in the recruitment market. Multiple language speaking skills can make you a more attractive candidate than those who can only speak the native language. Being able to communicate in different languages at the same time is a highly valued professional skill. It means you’re fully qualified with the multi-task mission, and you’re also good at problem-solving, and it’s also proven that you’re a disciplined person.

Speaking another language conveys that you are a goal-oriented, highly motivated, and resourceful person, all skills that can differentiate you as a valuable asset to your prospective employers.

As China develops so fast, so many companies urgently need foreign experts or foreign professionals to work with. There are 10 questions to ask when you find a job in China. 

No. 5 This skill can help to expand the market of your business.

The Chinese language skill is a must can when you’re running your own business internationally. Only when you can communicate fluently and smoothly with Chinese people can you fully understand their thoughts and true demands. So you can really set up the Trust, an essential thing for Chinese people when doing business with Chinese business partners. If you haven’t decided to take a Chinese course, you can check out 6 reasons to take a business Chinese course. 

Besides, it’s also essential for your market strategy. The more you know about Chinese culture and the habit of using the language, the more you will be familiar with the consuming psychology.

No. 6 Learning the Chinese language can challenge your way of thinking

Learning a second language, especially the Chinese language, is intellectually challenging and beneficial for your cognitive development. Your brain will get some “workout” during your learning, and this process will improve your ability to memorize and be good for your attention span.

Through the whole natural procedure of analyzing and processing new linguistic structures and identifying the best techniques to master the grammar and pattern, your brain will develop its smart way of expressing automatically. That is the key stage that can help you build up confidence, creativity, and multi-tasking abilities.  

No. 7 It can benefit your college application.

The skill of speaking and using a second language, especially when it’s the Chinese language, can make your application stand out. Many colleges and universities require at least two semesters of a foreign language as an integral part of the humanities and liberal arts core curriculum.

Therefore, learning the Chinese language as your second language can actually facilitate your college admission and graduation.

What’s more, it also brings you more choices when it comes to selecting majors in college. You would have approaches that are not available for those who cannot speak the Chinese language. You will have the chance to study double majors, such as a double major in Chinese and Business.

No. 8 You may get a chance to be a tutor.

Teaching and traveling in China at the same time is not just a dream. It can be easily reached if you can master the Chinese language. In your home country, this language skill can be applied to help you earn more money by teaching a second language. When you move to China and work as a foreign teacher of your native language, you can also benefit from being fluent in Chinese. You can better communicate with both of your colleagues and your students.

No. 9 Makes it easier to enjoy Chinese movies, TV, and music.

Chinese entertainment is accelerating at a rapid pace. Though there is always an official translation with the subtitles to help the audience catch up with the content, translations may not always make sense directly. If you want to authentically enjoy these Chinese entertainment forms at their highest quality, your best bet is to learn the Chinese language.

Checking out these EIGHT FILMS YOU NEED TO WATCH FOR LEARNING CHINESE 

No. 10 Appreciate Chinese food in a new way.

Speaking the Chinese language is also an efficient skill if you’re a gourmet and Chinese food lover. When you learn Chinese in China, you can’t miss the TOP 20 Chinese dishes. 

Is there any standard to tell if this Chinese restaurant is good or not? The indication is how many proper English words are on the menu. The less English word there is, the better the restaurant is. With that said, if you truly want to order with confidence at a Chinese restaurant, you’d need to learn the basics of Chinese.

For example, my favorite Chinese dish is the dim sum, but I just couldn’t find a proper English word to replace it.