mbursian (US)

I studied French for 2 years in high school, and German for 4 years in college along with advanced independent studies in German (engineering and international business). I studied Mandarin informally for about 4 months before moving to China... after that it was total immersion. If you don't use it, it's easy to lose. I've forgotten the French I learned except for a few phrases. The Mandarin I speak everyday as my wife doesn't speak a lick of English... my proficiency is building (writing, reading and speech), but far from fluent... at least not where I'd like to be. Learning additional languages is a great thing... it offers a new and different perspective on life and the world around us. I think nowadays, it's almost necessary to be able to speak more than just your native tongue.

US high school students who participate in a summer camp learn calligraphy in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province in China. [Photo provided to China Daily]