Learning Mandarin as an Engineer

[Ray555]

I'm seriously considering learning Mandarin since we seem to be detailing with China and Taiwan.

Has anybody learnt manderin and has it progressed your career as an Engineer?

 

[ornerynorsk]

All the companies I have dealt with ensure that they have some English speakers onboard if they're doing business with the west. I know only 2 words of Mandarin, and it has never been much of an issue.

 

[arunmrao]

learn all swear words,you might need them most.Else for all other transactions they have someone who is fluent in English.

I met a young Chinese who worked for a finance company,but he was mainly interested in conducting English dramas.


If you think education is expensive, try Ignorance.
- Andy McIntyre


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[mcgyvr]

You can actually make more money being a mandarin-english translator than you can as an engineer who speaks mandarin.

 

[Ray555]

Dont even get me started on the value of engineers these days.

 

[FeX32]

Hey. That's one of the reasons Engineering are known as a "silent" profession.
We are valuable and don't expect to be millionaires because of it. Stick to the morals that make you who you are.
{sorry for jacking the thread}


Fe

 

[plasgears]

Do you really need to deal with China? I learned my lesson after dealing with China caused my company to fold. It's a long story. They don't care about quality and specs. Watch out.

 

[Dtuck]

You'll probably want to learn the words for the manufacturing term "close enough" so you recognize them. Otherwise you'll know it when you see it.

 

[Turchman]

Be very cautious when dealing with the Chinese. You may or may not get what you ask for and most likely will not be able to find the company when you get product that doesn't meet print. As far as learning Mandarin, it's not worth it.

 

[ezyjack]

I spent some time in Inner Mongolia, and did my best to learn enough Chinese to get around... I finally absorbed enough to take a taxi about anywhere, order a few dishes in most restaurants, and most importantly, order "pijiu" (beer) at the local watering holes...

Depending on the tones, "ma" can mean mother, horse, discipline or rope... so "Ma ma ma ma" can mean "My mother beats her horse with a rope"...

No wonder we westerners have trouble...


From the Laws of Engineering:
Good, Fast, Cheap.
Pick any two...