Chinese the New English? Mandarin Language Schools popping up all over the US (education, million)

[18Montclair]

This is very interesting. I knew that there were such schools in Oakland too where I grew up but now it appears to be a trend.

I dont necessarily think its a bad thing, but it seems many children cant even formulate sentences in english very well...let alone teaching them in Mandarin Chinese 5 out of 6 hrs a day.

Why not focus on perfecting English and then allowing Mandarin as an elective for those who are so inclined to learn that language?

As China booms, so does Mandarin in U.S. schools - USATODAY.com

[UB50]

I hate to say this, but I think Mandarin will be the new English.

I've been tempted to either learn Mandarin or Korean. (Korean is tempting to me solely since I live in an area with a lot of Korean speakers and I know I could get a lot of practice!)

[GH0ST..]

mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. it makes sense to use it as a foundation for a unified global language.

[nativeDallasite]

Originally Posted by GH0ST..

mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. it makes sense to use it as a foundation for a unified global language.

No, it isn't. "Widely spoken" means that it's spoken across the world by millions of people in different countries on different continents. It isn't.

English is the most widely-spoken language on Earth. Mandarin Chinese, on the other hand, has more speakers than English but is not nearly as widely distributed.

[bily4]

not yet...but it will be widely distributed soon, as the globe begins to do more and more business with China. Kids that learn Mandarin will have a definite advantage when they are looking for a job in 15 years.

Sums it up well.

Originally from Mexico, Sebastian's parents believe that if their son grows up speaking English, Spanish and Chinese, the world will be his oyster.

[lilypad]

No doubt it will be Mandarin, or arabic, or both. Back when I was young and idealistic, I took Mandarin for a year. I wanted to go to China to help them learn Engish. Is extremely difficult language, and came out remembering only one "word", sheah-sheah, thank you. But has several other meanings as well, don't remember.

[LancasterNative]

Why exactly would we need or want a unified global language?

We can see how well it worked out at Babel...

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by LancasterNative

Why exactly would we need or want a unified global language?

We have one-its called English! English is the language of international business. All Western Europeans learn English (among other languages) from a young age. So, if you want to run a landscaping or housecleaning crew, learn Spanish. If you want to work for a global financial institution or other multinational corporation, stick with English.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by LancasterNative

Why exactly would we need or want a unified global language?

From a national standpoint, I can see its relevence. On a global level, not so much.

On the other hand, this is a graph from Goldman Sachs, they estimate by 2050 this is how the world's economic superpowers may look.

Gross Domestic Prouct, Per Capita GDP and Population.


China really doesnt dominate even by this scenario, rather they might be the biggest player in sum. I think English will be more of a unifier not only because of the US, but also because of India, which has a high percentage of english-speakers which dates back to its time as part of the British Empire.

[Badfish740]

Great point Montclair. Although a Chinese language class might help me figure out just what the hell I'm eating when the office orders a big spread of Chinese food. I've never been able to prove it, but I have a nagging suspicion that the words "cat meat" are hidden somewhere in all that mumbo jumbo on the menu.