Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still. Chinese Proverb
A lot of people think that since so many people in the world speak English, and that many Chinese people also learn English, it’s pointless to learn Chinese. However, there is never a downside when you expand your mind to learn something new, especially a language!
Furthermore, it’s crucial for international dealings that everyone understands each other's languages; it’s unfair to one party if they’re expected to be the only ones catering to the other. It also helps cut down on misunderstandings or being taken advantage of.
The other reasons people tend to learn Chinese include a passion for Chinese art, culture, and history, wanting to travel in Asia, and wanting to work in a Chinese-speaking area.
So, how can you embark on the journey of learning Mandarin Chinese well enough to successfully achieve your goals? Let’s find out!
Why Study Chinese?
Learning Mandarin specifically can be quite complicated. Chinese writing, vocabulary, pronunciation, and tones are enough to turn even some of the most enthusiastic learners away.
So if it’s daunting and difficult, why should you even bother learning Mandarin Chinese?
Universal Language
Because it’s an intimidating language to learn, many people don’t pursue Mandarin even though it’s the second-most spoken language in the world with approximately 1.118 billion native and learned speakers.
Simply due to how many people are born and raised in China and/or are raised by Mandarin-speaking parents, the language is prolific throughout the world.
This means that as soon as you can communicate in Mandarin, you automatically have the ability to converse with 1.118 billion other people and interact with any media they have ever produced, plus all of the previously existing media in Mandarin throughout time.
Language of Business, Art, History, and Science
Mandarin has historically been the language used in China for hundreds of years. The first iteration of Mandarin (Old Mandarin) is thought to have started emerging around 1115.
Therefore, a huge swath of historic texts like poetry, historic accounts, and more are written in some form of Mandarin.
In the modern day, China’s economy has been booming for years and shows no signs of slowing down. Naturally, the business, engineering, science, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors are conducted largely in Mandarin since they are huge industries in China.
If you want to make global connections and work with companies around the world, you’ll likely need to know Mandarin.
Brain Health
Learning a new language helps protect the brain from illnesses and diseases like dementia. It helps your cognitive abilities so you can stay sharp, and your brain is primed to learn other new languages more easily in the future!
Boost Your University Applications and Work CV
Showcasing yourself as a capable and hardworking student is important for applying to universities. If you learn Mandarin in primary and secondary school or with a private class outside of school, you can show that you’re intelligent and dedicated with your proficiency in Mandarin!
Having Chinese on your CV will look significant to employers, even if just at a conversational or intermediate level! A lot of businesses are looking for employees who know how to speak Chinese and this could make all the difference when it comes to getting an interview.
Where to Learn Mandarin as a Student
Many primary schools and secondary schools offer Mandarin Chinese as a class or course for their students. When you’re in primary and/or secondary school, take advantage of these classes! You’ll be at an advantage against people who decide to learn Chinese after beginning University or as an adult. Even if you don’t continue with Mandarin studies right away, in favour of other courses in Uni, the foundation of the language will stay with you. It will be easy for you to pick up your studies again at a later time.
Other options for younger people to start learning Chinese include apps, online classes, YouTube videos, school clubs, and private tutoring.
Where to Learn Mandarin at University
There are many institutions around the world where you can learn Mandarin either purely as a language or contextually for studies that have to do with China and Chinese culture.
Here are some of the top universities for learning Mandarin and Chinese studies around the world.
Keep in mind that you can always choose to study Chinese as an elective at certain institutions; you don’t have to pursue a degree in Mandarin to learn it at University!
University of Auckland
The University of Auckland offers several undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chinese language and philosophy.
University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury has a few options for Chinese as a language and a concentration of study for undergrad degrees, graduate degrees, and certifications.
University of Otago
The University of Otago has a smaller selection of courses in Chinese, but they are very serious and weighty degrees.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato has two programmes for Chinese: A graduate certificate and a PhD.
Victoria University of Wellington
The Victoria University of Wellington offers several arts degrees where Chinese can be the focus of study.
Massey University
Massey University has three degrees in arts that students can choose from.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham has several undergraduate courses where you can learn Chinese. If you prefer focusing solely on languages, there's the BA in Modern Languages. However, there is also the BSc in International Business with Language or the BA in Modern Languages with Business Management if you prefer that side of things.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers a BA in Chinese Studies and an MPhil in Chinese Studies for those interested in more than just the language.
University of Central Lancashire
The University of Central Lancashire offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses for those interested in Chinese. Undergraduates can pick either the BA in Modern Languages, BA in Asia Pacific Studies, or the BA in Business Management & Chinese. There's an MA in Interpreting & Translation for postgraduates.
University of Edinburgh
For those looking to study in the Scottish capital, the University of Edinburgh only offers the MA (Hons) in Chinese (undergraduate) and the Master of Chinese Studies and the MSc in Chinese Society and Culture.
Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh offers a large number of Chinese postgraduate courses. These courses include MSc in Chinese – English Interpreting and Translating, the MSc in Chinese – English Translating, the MSc in Interpreting (Chinese Pathway), the MSc in Translating (Chinese Pathway), and the MSc in Interpreting and Translating (Chinese pathway).
King's College London
The only course offered by King's College London is the MSc in China & Globalisation. A good postgraduate option for those interested in business.
Queen's University Belfast
If you're interested in studying in Northern Ireland, Queen's University Belfast offers a BSc in International Business with Mandarin, a great option for those looking to break into the world of Asian business.
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
The SOAS at the University of London offers a variety of different courses for students. There are certificates, diplomas, and short courses available in both Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese for those not interested in studying for a degree.
For undergraduates, there is either the BA in Chinese Studies or the BA in Chinese (Modern & Classical) and postgraduates can study an MA in Chinese Studies or an MA in Sinology.
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
While the University of Wales Trinity Saint David only offers one undergraduate course in Chinese, the BA in Chinese Studies, there are a variety of interesting postgraduate courses: the MA in Sinology, MA in Confucian Classical Studies, the MA in Chinese Buddhist Textual Studies, and the MA in Chinese Daoist Textual Studies. These courses are obviously for those who are very interested in Chinese culture.
University of Westminster
The University of Westminster offers a BA in Chinese & Global Communication as well as a BA in International Business. These courses are definitely for the business-orientated.
Where to Learn Mandarin as an Adult
You might think it to be difficult to find a place for adults to start learning something new. After all, most education courses are aimed at children and young adults since they are school-aged. However, there are plenty of ways for adults to begin learning a new skill! You just have to know where to look.
The Open University
For a change of pace, the Open University offers Beginners' Chinese courses which, like all Open University courses, is a distance learning course.
Pistachio Mandarin Language Centre
The Pistachio Centre offers in-person and private classes for kids and adults.
Onehunga High School Adult Learning Centre in Auckland
These after-school classes have limited availability and are only in person, but are a great and affordable way to learn the basics!
Sunshine Club
The Sunshine Club offers a variety of levels and class types for kids and adults to learn Mandarin.
Superprof
A private tutor is a fantastic way to learn any level of Mandarin at any time. You can find your ideal face-to-face or remote tutor with Superprof!
Ready to start learning Mandarin and launch your future as a savvy international Mandarin speaker? Begin learning with a course or tutor to set yourself up for success!
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