So you thought of learning the Asian language and came across Chinese and Korean?
You might be interested in both and the Asian languages and so you want to learn them at the same time. However, it is not so practical to learn both languages and you need to choose between them. Most of the people who are in the same confusion have this dilemma in learning between languages. They cannot really decide because they have ideas on both languages, so we will go through the pros and cons of these two languages to help you decide which language to learn.
Now let us see which language is best to learn
Chinese language
Advantages of Learning Chinese
Reach
Along with English and Spanish, the Chinese language is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Now, there are about 1.3 billion speakers around the world, many people are learning Chinese.
Culture
As we take a look at their history, Chinese culture has one of the most fascinating cultures in the world.
Business
China is one of the biggest exporting countries, expand your chances to be dealing with China if you plan to have a business. There are people who can speak Chinese to help them establish a market in China or help them communicate with Chinese-speaking people.
Disadvantages of Learning Chinese
Prefer the English language
A well-educated Chinese person would prefer to speak to you in English instead of Chinese. If you are working in a Chinese company, you need to talk effectively to lower-level management.
Difficulty to reach fluency
If you want to reach fluency in Chinese, you would need to move to China or with Chinese-speaking regions, and sometimes, people get a large pay cut in order. You should begin to process through layers of complexity to reach four tones, fifty-plus thousand character language in Chinese.
Korean language
Advantages of Learning Korean
Culture
Culture is one of the main reasons why people learn Korean. Learning Korean can help you gain a deeper understanding of your favourite Korean movies or shows that cannot be translated into English.
Ease of learning
Most people learn the language quickly because of their interest, you will be able to pick up Korean vocabulary fast, and your comprehension soon once you get deeper in learning. Korean’s alphabet is also simple to learn.
Disadvantages of Learning Korean
You can only use it in Korea
You can only use the Korean language only when you are within Korea. It won’t have many usages once you get outside the country. There are also not that many speakers.
It won’t boost your career in Korea
The job you can get is as an English teacher. However, it can help you gain at the same time against someone who does not speak Korean and is applying for the same position. If career opportunities are your goal in learning Korean, then it’s not worth it.
Complexity
Even though the alphabet is easy, the honorifics are hard to learn. It is based on
Learning any language will still depend on your goals and interests on which one you would choose to study first.
There are really no advantages to starting either one. Both have difficulties in their own way, and also both have their usefulness that you can enjoy. Learning one language is already a big process, and you should be proud of it. Whatever your choice is, try to check on the basics of both languages and see which one suits you and start from there, then commit your time to learn seriously. Platforms like Multibhashi offer online classes that allow you to learn Chinese or Korean from anywhere in the world. Join now. All the best!!