What Language should I learn? Mandarin or French?
Why not learn both?
Learning both will give you a chance to have a first hand knowledge of which one suits you better.
Also, you may want to consider which one might help you in your future career/travels.
What do you plan to do for a career? Which would be more important for that career? What is your ethnic background because then you could communicate with relatives in other countries. Where would you like to travel and/or live one day?
My suggestion would be to begin one language and then the next year, begin the other. Often, taking 2 new languages at the same time, becomes confusing.
French used to be the universal language but it is not English. Mandarin is more important in the business world, with all the business with China. But, remember that the written language is not at all like Germanic languages, for example, or Romance languages, like French, Spanish, Italian, etc.
Sra
To determine which language is best for you to learn, there are a few factors you can consider.
First, think about your personal interests and goals. Do you have a particular interest in Chinese culture, history, or literature? Are you planning to visit or work in a Mandarin-speaking country? Similarly, consider whether you have a passion for French art, cuisine, or fashion, or if you plan to visit French-speaking countries.
Next, consider the practical aspects. Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world, with over a billion speakers, primarily in China. Learning Mandarin can be advantageous for business and career prospects, as China is a major global player. On the other hand, French is spoken by approximately 275 million people around the world, and it is an official language in many international organizations and countries, such as France, Canada, Switzerland, and several African nations.
Moreover, consider the complexity and difficulty of each language. Mandarin has a reputation for being challenging due to its complex writing system and tonal pronunciation, while French may be considered easier for English speakers due to its shared alphabet and some similarities in vocabulary.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences, interests, and goals. Both languages have their own unique benefits and learning either one can open up opportunities for cultural understanding, personal growth, and career advancement.
To make a more informed decision, I recommend researching further, talking to speakers of both languages, exploring resources such as books, apps, or online courses, and perhaps even trying out some beginner-level lessons to see which language resonates with you more.