Photo Credit: rogerwagner@flickr.com
That being said, if you're keen on learning a new language there are few languages better than Cantonese or, better still, Mandarin Chinese for not only expanding your mind but also your ability to be financially prosperous in the coming years.
Indeed, learning Chinese can be great for your career! It really can open up job and business opportunities globally.
So first lets look further into why we should learn Chinese at all and then explore why it makes sense to take a Cantonese course or learn Mandarin in Hong Kong.
But Why Learn Chinese?
The simple facts are these: Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language on earth; it is used by practically a quarter of
the world's population and, having embraced free-market principles more than 30 years ago, China is now the second largest economy in the world.
This has created an incredible opportunity for anyone who can speak the language as the demand for Mandarin Chinese speakers has increased exponentially.
The truth is, knowing how to speak this fascinating and rich language will open up horizons for you that almost no other language can do at this point in human history.
Yes, English is still the most used language in business and Spanish will certainly help you in many parts of the world but Mandarin Chinese may be the most powerful language if you wish to become a leader in world politics or business.
Heck, Mandarin Chinese is so important that even the Japanese are leaning it, and it's the 2nd most studied foreign language in Japan after English!
Sure, learning Mandarin Chinese will be challenging. Unlike most Roman languages it does not have conjugations, tenses, articles and many of the other language characteristics that we're so used to using. It has 4 tones of pronunciation and a writing system vastly different from English but, as with anything new, if you're up for a challenge is it certainly possible to learn this interesting language.
If you're looking to expand your horizons and open up more possibilities than you can imagine learning Mandarin Chinese may just be the smartest move you can make today. China will only be getting more powerful in the future and, if you want to be part of that future, now is the time to start.
Study Abroad Hong Kong - UK University Student Loves Hong Kong!
Greg says:
"My advice for students studying in Hong Kong would be to really explore around you. You're right next to China and that's an amazing country; there's so much to see and do there. There's also loads of other exciting countries just a cheap flight away, which when your are in the UK seem a hell of log way away. So you know, you've got Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia ...... wherever - there's really loads of opportunities."
So Why Learn Chinese in Hong Kong
Because it makes so much sense!
If you want to learn Chinese in an authentic Chinese environment, Hong Kong's sizzling "east meets west" culture makes it the obvious choice for those not quite ready to jump head long in to an extended stay in mainland China.
Hong Kong is a genuinely dynamic and cosmopolitan city, with a modern infrastructure, quality tourism service and, more importantly for those looking to study Chinese, a world-class education system.
Alongside English, Chinese is one of the official languages of Hong Kong but being the local dialect in Hong Kong, Cantonese is used by virtually all the locals for every day conversation so it's wise to learn Cantonese Chinese if you plan to stay in Hong Kong for a long period of time.
It will certainly make your life in Hong Kong simpler and much more enjoyable as you will be able to communicate with locals more successfully.
Mandarin is also spoken by many (and understood by most locals in Hong Kong and it is a very wise move to take the opportunity to learn Mandarin whilst there. (Example: Chinese courses in Hong Kong)
With more and more trade and communication between Hong Kong and mainland China, Mandarin is becoming an increasingly popular language to learn especially if you are likely to be dealing with mainland Chinese.
Companies both Western and Chinese who have dealings with mainland China generally opt for Mandarin speaking candidates so if you really want to up the anti of your long-term career prospects grab the opportunity while you are there to gain some knowledge of this fascinating language or better still commit to truly mastering it!
Hong Kong is a genuinely dynamic and cosmopolitan city, with a modern infrastructure, quality tourism service and, more importantly for those looking to study Chinese, a world-class education system.
Indeed, apart from some of the best international schools and universities in the world, this veritable learning hub boasts a myriad of first rate language training schools, many of which not surprisingly specialise in Chinese language training.
Alongside English, Chinese is one of the official languages of Hong Kong but being the local dialect in Hong Kong, Cantonese is used by virtually all the locals for every day conversation so it's wise to learn Cantonese Chinese if you plan to stay in Hong Kong for a long period of time.
With more and more trade and communication between Hong Kong and mainland China, Mandarin is becoming an increasingly popular language to learn especially if you are likely to be dealing with mainland Chinese.
Companies both Western and Chinese who have dealings with mainland China generally opt for Mandarin speaking candidates so if you really want to up the anti of your long-term career prospects grab the opportunity while you are there to gain some knowledge of this fascinating language or better still commit to truly mastering it!
Video Guide to the Sights & Sounds of Hong Kong
This video guide to the sights sounds and smells of Hong Kong gives a great introduction to the history and geography of Hong Kong Island, shows off a little high end shopping at some of the biggest malls in the world and recommends some of Hong Kong's numerous local markets.
