FutureOz2016

Yes, I know they speak English or some form of it , but would knowledge of a foreign language be of any use?

I'm going to take a stab at Chinese being of most use because of business/trade connections between the two countries?

HelenTD

Huge numbers of Chinese tourists projected in the future: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2...t_12667111.htm, http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3244852.htm.

FutureOz2016

Just a thought, but does knowledge of foreign languages result in more points when applying?

steve`o

australian -- been here five years and it still baffles me

for example

if your glass is cactus call asapglass -- wtf does it mean ?

Rambi

The Chinese will be the only ones rich enough to visit in the future.

chris and farideh

If you are going to learn chinnese make sure it's Mandarine then, but I speak a different language but never had to use it, as everybody speaks English but different English.

ozzieeagle

I reckon Korean may help as well.... for the Mid to long distant future. 20 years away.. They have to unify, and they will probably start looking Eastwards rather rather than the US when they do. Aus will be the Vegie Garden, Bread Basket, Play Ground and Fuel zone.


I guess though that the other 3 Major Asian players besides China speak enough English already as it not being worth learning their languages. Those being India, Japan and Korea.

Rambi

Aus could also be the middle man. A safe place outside of historical enmity.

I suspect English will become the lingua franca of Asia as well as Europe.

Rambi

Only if you want your conversation to be a bit fruity.

(sorry - I'll get my coat)

Bix

I agree.
English is entrenched enough to continue being the business language of choice and it's surprising how many Chinese already speak English in business.

Chinese would be the language to learn above all others though.

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Must be really easy to learn as well. I mean, 1.3 Billion Chinese speak it, so it can't be that hard.

Mipik

I would also recomend Chinese.
I find it quite useful here.

Yes, if you have completed degree level education in "community language" you get 5 extra points.

moneypenny20

I love that ad. Sadly we find ourselves singing it at random moments.

HelenTD

I wish I could speak Mandarin, then I could communicate with the tiler our builder is using. He speaks not a word of English, nor reads it. We have to mime to communicate, and if that fails, the builder or I ring up his supervisor who speaks a bit of English. I have wondered what type of visa he's on - do 457 visa applicants have to speak English?

Mipik

It only takes 4-5 years of living in China.....