By George Anderson
Add Mandarin Chinese to the list of languages being taught to kids in schools today.
As the headmaster of Stuart, Florida's St. Michael's Independent School, Jim Cantwell, told The Associated Press, "China is becoming the world's largest economy, and with one-quarter of the world's population, we want to prepare our 21st-century students to be conversant with this culture."
While the overall numbers of grammar and high school kids taking Chinese is still small, the number of programs being offered and students taking them is growing. A study conducted by Princeton University found enrollment in Chinese classes in grades K-12 grew from 14,490 pupils to 23,850 from 1997 to 2002.
William T. Dwyer High School, also in Florida, began offering Chinese as a language elective this year. Assistant principal Corrine Licata said, "Chinese is the language of the future, if not right now. We want to get our kids ready for the international market."
More people speak Mandarin Chinese as a primary language than any other on the planet. English is second.
Moderator's Comment: How is increased commerce with China affecting (changing) the domestic retail business? Where will the trading relationship with China take U.S. businesses, workers and consumers? - George Anderson - Moderator