Benefits of studying Mandarin

[Sp0cK]

That's pretty impressive in such a short time... Guess reading/writing is just as important as learning to speak eh?

[muyongshi]

And I agree with you HashiriKata!

My point is lets say what we mean. The OP said "master". I knew what he meant [at least I had a 99% chance of being right" but I replied that way because mastering and being operational are COMPLETELY different. I don't even necessary think mastering is a necessary thing as many people have so pointed out.

2 years of hard study is enough to get you functional and do MANY things. But, I'm sorry for seeming like an asshole- but can we please change the way we express these things. I know we usually know what people are trying to say- but I don't want to have to guess.

In terms of experience: I dove into hard study for 1.5 years and practiced a ton [none of my friends spoke english, but I did have a few foreign friends that I would see 2-3 times a week outside of class, so I wasn't English depraved] and after that I felt that I was completely functional in the language. After 2 years I got an eight in HSK. If you work hard 2 years is plenty. But you won't master the language.

Sorry for the rant.

[anonymoose]

Also Chinese and Vulcan have a few similarities, so that's already a leg up for Spock.

But seriously, I think the people who learn the best are those who have a genuine interest in the language itself, rather than those who are just learning for some practical purpose.

[HashiriKata]

Guess reading/writing is just as important as learning to speak eh?

I don't know but if you're not in a Chinese-speaking environment, I guess that it's naturally easier to concentrate on reading/ writing. However, to work with Chinese language as a professional, I suppose you'll need a fairly rounded command of the language, because in your work you'll sometimes need to speak it. I can speak Chinese without major problems and I like speaking it when I have the chance, but not so well to the extent that I can claim it to be my stronghold.

[skylee]

Also Chinese and Vulcan have a few similarities, so that's already a leg up for Spock.

我的天！

[Meng Lelan]

Is Vulcan really a language? I don't think so. For one thing spock can learn Chinese in a real time environment, Vulcan he would have to learn in some mock up of the Enterprise.

I suggest spock try a few Chinese classes locally and see where he wants to go from there.

[simonlaing]

This might be a bit late.

But If you were going to China to do export traded or the current fad recruit students come to australia to study.

Most parents or Chinese factory owners don't speak much English if any at all.

About 2 years study should give you basic proficiency to get around China. You may still wanted someone to check your chinese contracts but other things reading menus, talking and discussing terms should be possible with about 2 years full time study.

(I agree though with Muyongshi) To become completely proficients takes at least 5 years and usually more .

Also Jobs of Native english Chinese to English translation is in demand as are simultaneous interpretation (very hard) .

Travel guides, CEO assistants, engineers based in China, traders are all jobs which could require a level of Chinese .

It is a good skill and one that few others will spend the time to attain. But be aware it will take time and hard work.

Thanks,

SimoN:)

[heifeng]

Is Vulcan really a language?

Of course not..But Klingon is, and is clearly the best alien language to study!

Hab SoSlI' Quch!

Edited July 1, 2009 at 03:15 AM by heifeng