Beginning from the 18th,19th centuries and now into the 21st century it has been English which has been the medium of communication in almost all the British colonies . With the industrial revolution and great advancement in Technological field fast catching up in most of the developed countries ( apart from Britain )The US.Australia, New Zealand, the European countries , Singapore etc it has been English which has been a very useful communication tool.
Now the developing countries India, South Africa, Brazil and many other African ( British colonies ) all use English for all round development.
However China is also a developed country ( its transformation as a developed country jump started in and around early 1980s and to day it is an amazing story of very furious economic development and prosperity . It is not only the cynosure of the entire world but also envy. This they did without as much use of English but their native tongue ( Mandarin ).
Now comes their next move. They do business with any country in the world ( from the nearest to the farthest and stamp their authority over entrepreneurship irrespective of the native tongue/language. Knowing fully well the fact that knowledge of English will greatly accelerate their business potential, Chinese nationals in ever increasing numbers have started learning English.
Seemingly it appears that the next few centuries it is going to be Chinese language and English language which will rule in the business world.
We have a great advantage over many other non English speaking countries by virtue of highly being literate in English. To this knowledge of English add knowledge of Mandarin and it is going to be greatly and mutually very beneficial .The earlier we realise this aspect it would be very much worth it.
As more Indian corporates are venturing into Chinese market , it would be a very ideal situation if their staff who happen to handle Chinese clients learn Mandarin as well. sAs more Indian corporates are venturing into Chinese market , it would be a very ideal situation if their staff who happen to handle Chinese clients learn Mandarin as well.