Wednesday, January 19, 2011

What's Wrong With Learning Chinese?

Some people (you can probably guess who) are actually bitching about the Chinese language being offered in public schools. They've been complaining for a while, but with Chinese President Hu Jintao visiting the USA, the talk is heating up a bit. Do we really have that many conspiracy theorists out there?

Chinese taught in schools isn't a "sign that Obama will lead us into Communism." It's not a sign that China is taking over the world (not exactly). It's the recognition of a changing world and a changing global economic landscape.  Education needs to prepare people for the future, and that's what's happening.  Sure, China is funding many of these programs. Who cares? We send thousands of people into the world to teach English, and the world is better for it.  This isn't any different.  Kids want to learn Chinese so that they can get good, interesting jobs.  We shouldn't take that away from them because some people are frightened bigots. 

2 comments:

  1. I agree wholeheartedly. Learning Chinese myself and just sent (literally 3 minutes ago) an application to teach English at a Chinese university over the summer.

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  2. Eric, so by learning Chinese you've just opened a door to a summer job opportunity? Awesome! Evidence that there is a benefit. Checking out your blog by the way, thanks!

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