Should I base learning Chinese, Italian, or French for my Business major on the countries economic status?

February 26th, 2010 | by admin |

I am a native English speaker, no spanish or other language background. I am deciding between French Italian or Chinese to learn. Whichever I choose is where I will be focusing my study abroad for the next 2 years. Should I just weigh out which language to take on its economic status, therefore Chinese? I am least interested in China and its culture but I think I would benefit from it more in the future.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Although Chinese seems to be the logical conclusion, you should consider few more points.

1) There are 1000s of Chinese students in USA and Canada who are studying economics and similar topics and they will have an advantage over you. They speak English well and Chinese very well. You are never going to compete at the same level.

2) There are fewer French and Italian people who can speak English as good as you do, this would be your big advantage. Also they are much easier languages to learn, and more fun.

3) Italian is more phonetic than French and has an easier pronunciation, so 2 years in Italy would allow you to learn it very well and to experience one of the most rich cultures in the world.

My suggestion: Italian, you will do very well by choosing the less chosen road. It would be good to take a crash Italian course in USA now, just to see how comfortable you are.

good luck! ciao

  1. 7 Responses to “Should I base learning Chinese, Italian, or French for my Business major on the countries economic status?”

  2. By FakeN F on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

    Great question.. Honestly, you do need to focus on where you see yourself after your degree is finished. Economics.. of three for that field I would agree with Chinese. It has been stated that China is going to start playing a much larger role in the global economy so that makes sense.
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  3. By Jimmy's Wife 爱中国 on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

    I would agree that Chinese language and culture may go a long way for you, especially in studying/conducting business. Many companies and organizations are now looking to expand to Asia…and the biggest chunk of asia is definitely China. It is looked at as the untapped frontier…there are lots of growth opportunities for a business there.

    European countries are relatively tapped out as far as trade, and its economic status has always been closely tied to the US. So, while studying those languages may be useful, your business opportunities there may be more limited than those in China. China needs to feed, clothe, and house 1 billion people…so chances are you will find some opportunities there.
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  4. By shopway2much on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

    I don’t think you should do French a all because most of them speak English too. That leaves Chinese and Italian. I do agree Chinese will most likely benefit you. I don’t think Italy does as much international business so i think you should do Chinese.
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  5. By postal p on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

    I think that you answered your own question. You hit the nail on the head. You are taking the road not taken. Of the three Chinese must be the hardest to learn, but you are also looking at the greatest reward. Study and work hard now and life will be much easier as you get older. Good Luck!
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  6. By Elena S on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

    learn Chinese
    References :

  7. By Cabot on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

    Although Chinese seems to be the logical conclusion, you should consider few more points.

    1) There are 1000s of Chinese students in USA and Canada who are studying economics and similar topics and they will have an advantage over you. They speak English well and Chinese very well. You are never going to compete at the same level.

    2) There are fewer French and Italian people who can speak English as good as you do, this would be your big advantage. Also they are much easier languages to learn, and more fun.

    3) Italian is more phonetic than French and has an easier pronunciation, so 2 years in Italy would allow you to learn it very well and to experience one of the most rich cultures in the world.

    My suggestion: Italian, you will do very well by choosing the less chosen road. It would be good to take a crash Italian course in USA now, just to see how comfortable you are.

    good luck! ciao

    References :

  8. By John H on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

    mandarin is hard work, its like german except there’s no alphabets
    References :

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