In a previous lifetime I pursued two degrees in Asian Studies with a focus on Chinese history, culture, and Mandarin. I’m not using it quite yet in my capacity as business development person for a New Hampshire-based product development firm, but I tell people all the time that the future has black hair…whether it speaks Hindi or Mandarin. I don’t think it can hurt to be able to shuo Putonghua when the situation calls for it.
mothy / Li Fashi