Five reasons to learn Mandarin

Mandarin. That language that still sounds like science fiction to us, something that is far away. And it is that every time someone suggests that we study Mandarin Chinese, it seems that they are challenging us to climb Everest. Quite a feat we go. Because although we know that Chinese year after year is gaining importance, we tend to think that learning it is an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones. Well, you know, not so much.

How many times have they told us that Chinese is the most difficult language in the world? Well, a lie, and the great ones. However, we usually use this widely used argument not to take a Mandarin course, even if they tell us that it is one of the most important languages in the world, that it assures you a job and other blah blah blah. Well, precisely today we wanted to talk to you about that blah blah blah, gathering in this article the main reasons to learn Mandarin Chinese.

1. The importance of Chinese in the world

We are facing the most spoken language in the world, with more than 1,200 million speakers (1/5 of the world population); It is the second most used on the Internet, and the official language of the second world economic power. Does it seem little to you?

Well, there is still more! Experts say that in a few years, Chinese will become the official language of all of Asia (there is nothing). Not for nothing is it one of the most useful languages to learn in any language school.

2. It will open the doors of many companies

Increasingly, companies (especially large ones) value their candidates knowing Mandarin. Since China is the second world economic power, corporations try to establish a greater number of trade agreements with this emerging country, for which They need staff who can negotiate with executives and managers from that country.

Also, keep in mind that the Chinese community is quite large in Costa Rica (and its importance is increasing every day), so even small companies, hotels and the restaurant sector in general, are beginning to look for personnel capable of defending themselves in this language.

3. Mentally challenging

TOlearning a new language is good for your mental health. Develops memory, enhances creativity and facilitates multitasking ability. Even more so if it is Mandarin.

Being such a different language from others, learning Mandarin will be an even more stimulating task for your brain.. On the other hand, and along the same lines, mastering his calligraphy will be an experience, since more than letters, you will be writing symbols, signs, even drawings. That is why many experts argue that this language encourages the development of artistic skills.

4. Not as difficult as it may sound

In Chinese there is no gender, no plural, and the verb tenses are much less complex, as is its grammar in general. Its difficulty lies mainly in the ideograms that make up the Chinese alphabet and in its phonetics (a problem that you can solve using the phonetic alphabet or Pin Yin). In any case, It is estimated that in just less than a year the student learns the 500 words that are necessary to have a basic level.

In addition, finding a study center is quite easy nowadays, you just have to put it on the internet learnmandarin.com and you find it instantly.

5. A way to get to know Asian culture

We tend to say that learning a language does not only serve to understand each other with other people. And we say it because it is true. Knowing a new language allows us to get in touch with its literature and philosophy, its cinema and its music. And in the case of Mandarin all this is even more true if possible.

Chinese (and Asian) culture and history are often great unknown to us Westerners. They are not taught to us at school, nor do we usually learn them outside of it (for example, have you ever stopped to think about where the word “China” comes from? Knowing their language will allow us to read their books, watch their movies and understand their customs.

There are reasons, and many, to start studying Mandarin. A very different matter is that you do not want to. But please, if this is your case, do not use the excuse of "it is very difficult." We've already demystified that argument, so you'll have to pull another ace up your sleeve.