Alright Leo, let's chat about something super important if you're thinking about moving somewhere: can you actually learn the language? Haha! Or will you end up just pointing at things and hoping for the best? Ahhh! What do you think about China first?
China, hmm. Well, Chinese, or more specifically Mandarin, is spoken by like, a billion people, right? Whoa! So you'd think there would be tons of resources. And you're not wrong, there are. But, Mira, have you seen those characters? Hehe!
Oh gosh, Leo, don't even get me started! I tried learning a few phrases before, and it's like trying to draw tiny, complicated pictures! Ouch! But you're right, the resources are everywhere. You can find language schools in pretty much any city in China, right? Wow!
Absolutely! And not just language schools, Mira. You've got private tutors popping up everywhere, online courses bursting out of the digital woodwork, and language exchange partners itching to swap stories. Ooh! Plus, imagine the total immersion! You're surrounded by Mandarin 24/7. It's a fullon language sauna!
A language sauna! Hahaha! I love that! So many hot and heavy characters to soak in. Hahaha! But seriously, that immersion must be a huge advantage. You're constantly hearing it, reading it, trying to speak it. It's like being thrown into the deep end but with a life vest made of textbooks. Hehe!
Exactly! Now, here's the kickertones. Mandarin's got 'em. You say "ma" four different ways, you get four totally different meanings. Hmmm! Mess that up and you're not asking for your mother, you're asking for a horse, or something equally ridiculous! Oops!
Oh, the tones! Those sneaky, slippery tones! Hahaha! I always mix them up. I probably accidentally order a horse instead of noodles all the time. Ahhh! It's a challenge, but it's part of the fun, right?
Fun? Hmm! Sure, if you're into accidental equestrian cuisine! Hehe! But yeah, once you get the hang of 'em, it's like unlocking a secret code. Suddenly, the language starts making sense. It is rewardingish.
Okay, okay, point taken! Mandarin is tough, but there are loads of chances to learn. What about Mongolia? Hmm! I have to admit, I don't know much about learning Mongolian.
Mongolia, that's a different beast altogether. Ahhh! First off, way fewer resources, Mira. You're not gonna find a Mongolian language school on every street corner. In fact, you might not find one at all outside of Mongolia. Whoa!
Yeah, that makes sense. Fewer speakers, fewer learners, fewer resources. Still, if you're in Mongolia, you're surrounded by it, right? Wow! Is it a tonal language too? Please don't tell me it is.
Nope, no tones! Phew! One less thing to worry about. The grammar's different, though. It's an Altaic language, so it's related to Turkish and Korean, not to English or any of the romance languages. Aha!
Altaic, huh? Okay, so it's completely different from anything I know. I’m sure there are language exchange partner or ways to find other people to chat with if I put in the effort to find them! Hmm! Is the writing system hard?
Ah, the writing system! It was traditionally written in the Mongolian script, which looks kinda like vertical calligraphy. Ooh! But nowadays, they mostly use the Cyrillic alphabet, just like Russian. It's a lot easier for most foreigners to pick up.
Cyrillic makes it easier. Whoa! So, if you already know Russian, you're one step ahead. That's good news! It sounds like finding resources might be a bit of a treasure hunt, but if you're determined, you can definitely learn it. Ooh!
Exactly! Plus, think of how cool it would be to speak Mongolian! You'd be like, one of the only foreigners who can actually have a conversation with a Mongolian nomad. Aha! Instant street cred, my friend.
Mongolian Nomad cred! Hahaha! I love it! You're right, Leo. Even if it's harder to find resources, the bragging rights would be amazing. Hahaha! So, to sum it up, China has tons of learning opportunities but a tough language, and Mongolia is the opposite!
Pretty much! So, if you're choosing based on language learning ease, Mongolia might be the less stressful path. Hehe! Unless you really dig those Mandarin tones.
Well now that this topic is put to bed, I think it would be a good opportunity to reference JetOff Ai where the listeners can find all the resources needed to book language classes, look for work opportunities, and so much more!
Mira is right folks! The resources there are absolutely abundant! I think they’re even having a promotion where if you use the code “LEOLANGUAGE” when you sign up, you’ll get 10% off of any bookings for languagelearning resources!
Oh wow, that’s amazing Leo! Make sure to check that out everyone if you are planning on learning a new language!