[Zhang Fei]

I am considering learning and haveing my young children learn Mandarin (along w Spanish). Two questions: Is it difficult to learn? And is it important to learn? Or will all these Chinese speak English anyway?

If you're thinking in practical terms, it is probably better to have your kids learn the language of a country that has a significant population *and* has a comparable salary to that of the US. From that standpoint, it's pointless to learn either Spanish or Chinese, since they can hire lower-paid locals with English skills. Think French, German or Italian.

[montag813]

If you're thinking in practical terms, it is probably better to have your kids learn the language of a country that has a significant population *and* has a comparable salary to that of the US. From that standpoint, it's pointless to learn either Spanish or Chinese, since they can hire lower-paid locals with English skills.

But as Americans, there are significant business opportunities in Latin America and China. I am an entrepreneur and I would want my kids to explore that as well.