Question by Nate327: Arabic or Chinese more important for diplomacy?
I’m planning on majoring in international affairs and in the future work as an Foreign Service Officer (Diplomat). However, I can’t decide if learning Arabic or Chinese would be more beneficial to this profession. Some say Chinese for business/economics and Arabic for government positions. Is this a correct statement–what are your thoughts? Is Arabic or Chinese more important for working as a Diplomat?
Best answer:
Answer by fishywiki
It sounds like you already know the answer: China is not really in a situation right now where a lot of diplomatic effort is needed. Things are not perfect, but it’s humming along nicely.
Ont he other hand, there is so much happening between the Arabic countries and the West that there are clearly many more opportunities in that area for people involved in international politics.
So, as a diplomat, I’d go for Arabic; for business, I’d definitely go for Chinese.
Add your own answer in the comments!
I’d say Chinese since as you said the main part of business and economics is based on China.
I have learned Chinese at http://www.echineselearning.com for a long time. I think Chinese is more important because I want to be a business man.
It’s great that you want to be a Foreign Service Officer (Diplomat) in the future. First, I think you should choose what you like best, because interest is the best teacher. Every language has its own advantage. Second, I think Chinese is more important, because Chinese is used by a large amount people in the world. With the development of China, doing business with Chinese people is essential. Having a good command of Chinese will be a great advantage in your future life. Most of my foreign friends choose Chinese as their second or third language. So if you still have any questions, please feel free to let me know. My email is jennifer.zhu@echineselearning.com。I’d like to share with you what I know.
Jennifer’s answer is good. I also choose Chinese as my second language, and I enjoy it very much. I hope you can find what you really like.
Chinese…
All will be up to your detailed job. Of course, as growing of China economy, learn Chinese looks more helpful. If you have enough time, Arabic will be next
Diplomacy is all about improving and conserving relationship between countries.
I guess you want to learn the language of the country that has the most to do and can have the most outcome.
For that, I’d say Chinese.
There’s a lot to do in diplomacy with Arabic countries. But outcome?
The religion has much to do with the tension between the West and the Middle East. It’s not something you can do much about with political negotiations, but more of a cultural issue.
China is different.
Culturally, China and the West have no reason to dislike each other.
The tension is based on political level. In which the West remains doubtful of the word “Communist” and China remains suspicious of the Western powers who have for so many times invaded China and caused havoc in the country in the past 2 centuries.
To fix this political lack of trust, this is where diplomacy can do most.
What’s more, it’s estimated to see China rise again in the 21st century. Rising powers always have a hard time with older powers. That’s something to be fixed with diplomacy or war.
Don’t hear a lot of Arabic country rising anytime soon.