Hot Language of the Moment: Mandarin Chinese
Posted by Stephen on
January 26, 2007
I was reading in the paper the other day that even as far as Alabama (what the hell?), people are learning Mandarin, and there is a shortage classes and instructors. Today, in the local paper, I read that even the local government is sending officials with the most likely chance of interacting with Chinese VIPs to Mandarin crash courses put on by UBC. The crash course not only covers common phrases, but also culture and customs so that they can best interact with Chinese officials. This is likely in preparation for the 2010 games and to fix relations with China that were botched by the current Canadian Federal Government.
Looks like I better concentrate and pay attention in class. Otherwise, my non Asian friends will be translating for me in Taiwan this year 
Ni hao! I once had the desire to learn mandarin. I was 16. The desire hasn’t quite returned.
It’s now obligatory to study a foreign language until age 16 in the UK curriculum. It’s outrageous the way there’s such a one size fits all policy on teaching languages. In some circumstances it’s great but the quality of a foreign language qualification is so over rated. I hated learning French, not least because there are far more worthwhile languages out there.
You a truly a subject of the Royal Empire
God Save the Queen!
I think Mandarin would be a great language to teach in schools. My kids did nothing but complain about French in High School. I had a hard time trying to make them study because I remember my days in school when I failed French miserably and hated it with a passion. My excuse was always that I learned German and didn’t need a third language. Now that I am an “old guy” I kind of wish I did study a third language, like maybe Spanish. Good on you to study another language.
I was actually thinking Japanese for my next language. I get mistaken for Japanese more often than not. Might as well play along eventually
couldn’t hurt I guess. Understanding my Sushi chef would be a bonus since I am obviously addicted to it.