5 Reasons to Start Learning Mandarin Chinese Today Monday, 02 August 2010 13:14 Written by Johanna Hoopes

So you’ve lived in Shanghai for a while and gotten pretty comfortable here? Or maybe you’re fresh off the boat and ready to take this city by storm? Either way, learning Mandarin Chinese is absolutely essential for surviving and thriving in this booming metropolis.

News flash: We live in China! Now, although it is not even close to your native tongue and you can certainly get by without speaking Mandarin Chinese here, learning the national lingo will pay off in many ways.

1. Break down Cultural Barriers

Chances are that you don’t speak Chinese with your friends here, especially when you share a common or native language like English. But what about making Chinese friends? It truly makes my day when I go get a mani/pedi and I can talk to the manicurist about where she is from and what color is in style (liu xin). When you can speak with street vendors or stylists, living in Shanghai seems less foreign and friendlier in general. On the flip side, when you cannot communicate with taxi drivers or bank tellers, it can be extremely frustrating.

2. Negotiate More Effectively

I can think of few things more frustrating than overpaying for a good just because I cannot communicate well enough to say Pianyi! (Cheaper!). Negotiating any deal in English will only take you so far. Vendors respect customers that can level with them using terms that they understand. Whether you are buying a Gucci clutch at the fake market or having an evening gown made for the next Boxing on the Bund, your Mandarin skills will ensure that you effectively communicate what you want and how much you are willing to pay for it.

3. Be more effective in Business

Doing business with the Chinese, Guanxi is a term that cannot be overlooked. Guanxi basically means saving face or preserving honor. In order to build relationships with vendors, partners, clients and staff, you must show respect and sensitivity to the traditional cultural innuendos that are still important in the modern Chinese market. By being privy to social norms and customs you show that you put the time and effort in to build a lasting partnership. Knowing when to “Yi, Er, San, Gan bei!” or how to use your Kuazi (chopsticks) properly will pay off in many ways.

4. Challenge Yourself

Even if you are here temporarily or working with Western-ren, learning Mandarin will expand your brain power. Studies have repeatedly shown that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills and cognitive flexibility. Like artistic or musical talent, language systems click better with some learners. However, as with any new venture, your desire and drive to learn a language are the single-most determining factors in achieving fluency.

5. Have fun!

Learning a language is certainly a commitment but it is also a lot of fun. Being back in the classroom as a student is enriching. Doing Dolls Mandarin Mondays is a great way to interact with the teacher and fellow Dolls in a friendly and unintimidating atmosphere. The teachers at M Club are the best around and help us all learn at a comfortable pace. Each class focuses on a practical theme – such as shopping, business or cooking. That way we are learning practical vocabulary that we can use in our daily lives.