The Advantage to Learn Chinese Mandarin in 2023

The Advantage to Learn Chinese Mandarin in 2023
Whenever I felt a twinge of procrastination or self-doubt or simply lacked the desire to continue, I would turn to my list and find the motivation to keep going. If you're struggling to decide whether or not to learn Mandarin, or if you need a push to stay committed to the learning process, then this video is for you. In today's discussion, I will present five compelling reasons to learn Mandarin Chinese, and why I believe there is no better time than now to make a firm commitment and go for it.

My name is Izzie, and I am a medical student at Cambridge University who is also learning Mandarin part-time. I created this video because I understand that maintaining motivation can be a challenge when learning a language, especially one as complex as Mandarin. When embarking on any long-term project, it is crucial to be clear about your reasons for doing so. When you experience moments of doubt, procrastination or low motivation, simply revisit your reasons and allow them to re-ignite your passion for the task at hand.

When I began learning Mandarin over a year ago, I listed out the reasons why I wanted to learn, and it helped me remain committed to the process. So, without further delay, let's dive into the reasons why learning Mandarin could be the best decision you ever make.

The first reason why learning Mandarin is crucial is that it is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world, with the highest number of native speakers. Over one billion people globally speak Chinese, which accounts for approximately 14% of the world's population or one in seven individuals. By mastering Mandarin, you will be able to communicate with these individuals in their mother tongue.

While some may argue that English and translation apps can also facilitate communication, there's something special about being able to converse fluently in another language. As Nelson Mandela once said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." Connecting with people in their own language and culture fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation, and it often leads to warmer and more meaningful relationships.

Mandarin is spoken extensively throughout China, Taiwan, Singapore and by many diaspora communities around the world. Being able to communicate with locals while traveling or visiting any of these places in their native language creates an incredible opportunity for connection and personal growth.

The second reason why learning Mandarin is essential is that it presents an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of the rich Chinese culture and history. From calligraphy, carving, music, food, TV shows, and everything in between, understanding Mandarin is critical to fully accessing and comprehending this incredible culture. The language and culture are closely intertwined, and by mastering Mandarin, you will be able to penetrate its depths.

The third reason to learn Mandarin is that it can open doors to potential travel, business opportunities, and other endeavors. China's economy has been rapidly growing, and it is one of the world's largest economies and an economic superpower. By learning Mandarin, you'll develop key language skills that can help you tap into these opportunities and connect with people on a more meaningful level. Whether it's your favorite movies and TV shows, places you wish to visit, or where you want to live, knowledge of Mandarin can boost all of these aspects.

The fourth reason to learn Mandarin is that it keeps your brain active by stretching and training it. Learning a challenging language like Mandarin pushes our brains to their limits, forcing it to form new neural connections and expanding its capacity through neuroplasticity. Research indicates that such mental stimulation can enhance cognitive functions, memory, creativity, and even protect against Alzheimer's disease.

The fifth reason to learn Mandarin is that it can make you a better communicator by deepening your understanding of how language shapes our perspective of the world. When we speak different languages, we often experience a shift in personality or vibe, which stems from using different parts of our brain. Mastering Mandarin allows us to grasp a whole new way of thinking and interact with people in a more nuanced, culturally sensitive way. It's also incredibly fun to track your progress and observe your language skills improve over time.

In conclusion, these five reasons illustrate why now is the perfect time to learn Mandarin. Don't worry if you feel that you might have missed the boat, because as a traditional Chinese proverb says, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now. Best of luck with your language learning journey! If you enjoyed this video, check out my other videos, where I share tips on how I learned Mandarin and other exciting ideas. Thank you for watching, take care, and I look forward to seeing you in the next one!