What is the best foreign language for an engineering student to learn?

Question

I am an engineering student at Purdue University and would like to become fluent in a language which will open more opportunities for me upon graduation. Some advisors have said Japanese, Some say Chinese, while still some Spanish or German. I just want to take what is most used within the engineering profession to be an asset for a future employer. Thank you all for answering!

Answer 1

English is currently the most common engineering language. I recommend that you learn a language that is commonly used in areas in which you might consider working. Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and French are widely spoken. English is widely spoken in India. Many German speakers also speak English.

Answer 2

Depends on your proposed theater of occupation. If you're planning on a career in civil engineering, with an emphasis on third-world nations, I would pick Spanish or Farsi. Most people use English as a second language. Japanese might be useful in the Economic arena, and even the Chinese will tell you that it's a "dead" language, with too many dialects and variations to be practical.
In short, most of the scientific community is trending toward English.

Answer 3

Depends in your proposed theater of career. If you are making plans on a profession in civil engineering, with an emphasis on 3rd-global international locations, I could select Spanish or Farsi. Most men and women use English as a moment language. Japanese maybe priceless within the Economic enviornment, or even the Chinese will let you know that it is a "lifeless" language, with too many dialects and versions to be functional. In brief, many of the medical neighborhood is trending in the direction of English.

Answer 4

I am going to say Spanish. When I worked in construction and we did custom homes and such periodically the engineer had to come out to the job site and talk to the supervisor and the crew so that everyone understood a certain design feature for the stairs, etc. Alot of Spanish and Salvadorian (that's spelled wrong) people work in the construction field so I think that would be a good place to start. Spanish is not that difficult to learn, then you could always learn another one as you see fit.

Answer 5

It depends upon what you intend to do with it. If you want to communicate with fellow workers, then pick your foreign country. If you want to do research to glean from the history of others, then you have to consider the topic. German if you are in Chemical Engineering, Japanese in ceramics, etc. After you find a topic of interest, find who has done the most historical work - it will help to be able to read the patents directly.

However, I get the impression that you want to communicate with co-workers or help work a deal with foreign countries. I have a friend who speaks Russian - he is finding it quite useful in negotiating a joint-venture space program. You can see that there is no simple answer.

You will also discover that it is often a greater advantage to NOT disclose that you understand what the foreigners are saying, especially during early discussions to set up joint ventures. I have heard more than one story where the foreigners would switch to their native language when they wanted to discuss negotiating strategy or criticize the American presentation/position during conferences. Of course, they all understand English and everything you say, so being able to sit silently in the room without giving away your ability to understand them can be a real advantage.

Answer 6

Chinese

Answer 7

My company is in aerospace engineering and none of us speak a foreign language. We deal with customers all over the world and most all speak English.

So, if you want to learn a foreign language I would ask what type of engineering are you going into and what country might that take you to? If you just want to communicate with people in the USA you might want to take Spanish, if you are in mechanical engineering and might end up working with manufacturers and machinist you could find yourself in Mexico or with factory workers in the USA that don't speak English!

Good luck, study hard you can play later with your larger paycheck!

Answer 8

Outside of English, Spanish is the most widely spoken. However, the growth of this century is in Asia- go with Chinese.

Answer 9

Chinese English and Russian

Answer 10

It depends on where you are going to or proabably work in the future ....but mostly English is used widely.
English is used to eliminate the problem faced during communicating with people from different parts of the world.