<p>I am having a hard time deciding what should be my second major. I intend to major in International Business and one of these languages.
I am genuinely more interested in Arabic, culture and music, but understand that Mandarin Chinese is expected to be the language of future business. Does anyone have any opinions?</p>
<p>Cons-</p>
<p>Arabic- Numerous incomprehensible dialects.
Chinese- Considered one of the hardest languages to become proficient in.</p>
<p>Arabic. .</p>
<p>For what reason?</p>
<p>I was leaning towards Chinese (I believe it will be more important/useful) but I do want to learn Arabic more. However, I do have a genuine interest of learning both. But I am not interested in a triple degree :-p</p>
<p>single major and double minor?</p>
<p>Either would be of considerable use if you can become proficient enough. Arabic already has business opportunities (i.e. Dubai, Saudi Arabi, etc) and very few people who are native English speakers also speak Arabic. </p>
<p>I suggest that you first learn ARABIC. If you truly want to learn a language it should be one you have a deep interest in, because only that will keep you going. </p>
<p>If you learn Arabic well and still find you want to learn Mandarin, then do so. But keep in mind that learning Mandarin is not something that can be done with a half-hearted commitment because it is exceedingly difficult.</p>
<p>Finally, while mainland China is certainly beginning to make its way onto the map, the current Chinese business world revolves first around Cantonese, and then Taiwanese (convieniently mutually incomprehensible if you learn Mandarin.)</p>
<p>Hope this helps, and good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you, I am leaning towards Arabic Language and Culture major. I was just worried about the usefulness of learning MSA (Modern Standard Arabic.).</p>
<p>i think use your time on chinese/arabic on something business-related will be much more efficient</p>
<p>personnaly dont suggest you to learn mandarin cuz too many people know both that and english, its too hard for you to compete with them</p>
<p>I agree, there are a lot of people who know both Mandarin Chinese and English. Probably on a level that is unachievable by me because it is not my native language. However, I was thinking before if I achieve a certain level of education, I can more appealing than those individuals. Arabic could appeal to some people because it is rare but not too rare that it's not desirable. </p>
<p>In any case I believe that Chinese, if I reach a level that is good enough for fluency in Arabic, will be my fourth language to learn.</p>
<p>Thank you for advice from everyone. If anyone else has opinions I would love to hear them.</p>
<p>Arabic is similar to hebrew, which I speak. It's a hard language, but not like chinese. Reading isnt that hard. Youll probably need to immerse yourself before you learn a lot of Arabic.</p>
<p>I took Arabic this year, and yes, it was totally by immersion. However, when you're looking in a school, just be sure to find out about its MSA/Spoken Arabic ratios in the curriculum. My program was a great mix of the two and truly made the distinctions clear; however, many programs do only teach MSA and if you go to a country in the Middle East and try to converse, they will either not understand you or think you are silly. Good luck! Ma'sa'laam!</p>
<p>What's the difference between MSA and spoken Arabic? What's the best version to learn in order to converse with people in the Middle East?</p>
<p>MSA is Modern Standard Arabic is the language of formal media. I've heard that if you learn MSA and the Levantine dialect, you will be able to communicate with the majority of people. I've also heard that many people are familiar with the Egyptian dialect because of their famous media. Classical Arabic is the language of the Qu'ran and is present in media too. I've heard from a morocan friend that most people should be able to speak classical Arabic. Speaking of Morocco, I've heard that their Arabic is the most mutually incomprehensible of them all. </p>
<p>That is what I think I know and I think it is somewhat accurate. </p>
<p>Here is a Wikipedia Article. </p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic%5B/url%5D">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic</a></p>
<p>I'm thinking about going to Georgetown University (Reach School) but will probably end up at Ohio State University.</p>
<p>Here's Georgetown's Arabic Courses. </p>
<p>They have a focus on the Egyptian Dialect.</p>