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Will Mandarin Chinese replace English as the next world language? Will Mandarin Chinese replace English as the next world language?
Yes, Mandarin will become the next world language Yes, Mandarin will become the next world language
No, English will remain the world's international language No, English will remain the world's international language
Mandarin Chinese and English will coexist Mandarin Chinese and English will coexist
Mandarin is an economic necessity Mandarin is an economic necessity
China spreads cultural influence through Mandarin China spreads cultural influence through Mandarin
It is more beneficial to learn English than Mandarin It is more beneficial to learn English than Mandarin
English is politically neutral English is politically neutral
US pop culture is globally prevalent US pop culture is globally prevalent
Mandarin is too difficult Mandarin is too difficult
English is the language of business, science, and tech English is the language of business, science, and tech
Mandarin-English bilingualism is more needed than ever Mandarin-English bilingualism is more needed than ever
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Will Mandarin Chinese replace English as the next world language?
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Yes, Mandarin will become the next world language

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Mandarin is an economic necessity

More people are learning Mandarin because they see the language as economically profitable or because they need the language to communicate with Chinese businesses.
David Cameron Eric Sim
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Context

China is among the world's fastest-growing economies,[1],makes up 15.5% of the global economy,[2] and is currently the world's 2nd largest economy. China's continued economic development (through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative to develop routes connecting China to 152 countries) will maintain its position as a global economic superpower for years to come.[3]

The Argument

As China grows its businesses and economic influence, more people are learning Mandarin to better communicate with Chinese business owners. Several countries see Mandarin as an important language to learn, for business and international affairs. For example, the U.S. government considers Mandarin a "critical language," meaning it is a language that U.S. Americans should learn to help U.S. national security. Many nations in East Africa, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Kenya have added Mandarin as an optional subject in elementary schools,[4] and Uganda has Mandarin as a mandatory subject.[5] If the Mandarin-speaking economy surpasses the status quo of an English-speaking economy, Mandarin could replace English as the language of business.

Counter arguments

Mandarin may be an economic necessity, but English will still be more beneficial in fields of business, science, and technology.[6]

Proponents

Premises

[P1] China is a growing economic force. [P2] Language competence is necessary for business and collaboration. [P3] As Chinese businesses grow around the world, the use of Mandarin Chinese will increase too.

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL33534.html
  2. https://www.investopedia.com/insights/worlds-top-economies/
  3. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/china-economic-growth-history/
  4. https://globalvoices.org/2019/07/23/is-mandarin-chinese-the-language-of-east-africas-future/
  5. https://qz.com/africa/1505985/uganda-schools-to-teach-chinese-lessons/amp/
  6. https://www.parlia.com/a/english-is-language-of-science-tech
This page was last edited on Monday, 31 Aug 2020 at 16:18 UTC

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