From The Miami Herald:
Three to five times more Latin Americans are studying Chinese today compared to five years ago, according to an unscientific survey conducted by The Herald in six countries.
"It's the language of the future for commercial and industrial transactions and for foreign trade," said Zelma Wong, the administrator who decided to begin offering Chinese at San Marcos. "In 10 years, China will be a world power. That will mean economic development for Peru."
Not a day passes in Latin America, it seems, without news of a major Chinese investment in the region, a visit by a high-ranking Chinese government or trade official or a trip by a Latin American official to China.
I wonder if the U.S. is now going to be confronted with illegal aliens coming across the border fluent in Spanish and Chinese, but continuing to resist having to learn English. Sheesh!
Tom Ridge said there are somewhere around 8 to 12 million illegal workers in the US. I just wanted to be sure everyone keeps this figure in the forefront of their minds when discussing issues like immigration, homeland security, business ethics or law enforcement in general.
Posted by: Ian at
July 19, 2005 05:05 PM
I remember when people thought they had to learn Japanese to get ahead back in the early 1990's and that didn't pan out for them.
Learning how to curse in Italian might work out better in the long run.
Posted by: Tom at
July 21, 2005 12:29 AM
I also learn mandarin in Beijing Chinese School ( www.hellomandarin.com ). I like to learn in live class with teachers from Beijing directly. I also like to practice Chinese with volunteers freely everyday. Watching Chinese learning TV on CLTV is also interesting and helpful to practice listening and learn more about Chinese culture.
Posted by: William at
July 23, 2007 06:31 AM
