Seeing Business, Gujaratis Flock To Learn Chinese Language

On his own business of interior-designing, Mankad has said he often goes to China to buy furniture from there as Chinese interiors are much in demand amongst Gujaratis.

On why he began learning Chinese, Mankad said, "I visited China often than any other countries where I had to face difficulties in communication."

"Unlike other countries, where English is more or less spoken or at least understandable by people, in China, it is difficult even to communicate, for a glass of water or seeking directions about a rest room. This was the reason for learning the language," Makad said, adding that he does not have to depend upon a interpreter now.

Another professional from Gujarat, Dharmesh Bhan (31) had a similar reason for learning Chinese as he deals with exports to China's textile sector.

"There was a need to learn Chinese language Mandarin. I am an Export Manager and often visit China for business purpose as our firm exports textile blankets made of rubber to China, which has the biggest textile market in the world," Bhan, who has been learning Mandarin in Ahmedabad's Gujarat Vidyapith, said.

Bhan further said it is difficult to learn Chinese as the tone and pronunciation are different, and a minor change in tone can change the entire meaning.