Why Study Chinese?

Learning Chinese offers a powerful advantage in today’s global and multilingual society. With over 1.2 billion speakers worldwide, Chinese connects you to more people than any other language—opening doors to new friendships, customers, and professional networks. As China continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most influential economies in the world, proficiency in Chinese significantly enhances career opportunities in fields such as international business, trade, diplomacy, education, technology, and global development. Studying Chinese also provides access to one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures, allowing students to engage with rich traditions in history, philosophy, literature, and innovation. At the University of Memphis, Chinese coursework fulfills world language requirements and can contribute to majors such as Asian Studies and International Trade, further strengthening its academic and professional value.