Poll: Taking on extra work at university (language)

[NezumiiroKitsune]

So I'll be starting my first year of University in September, studying molecular and cellular biology (at BSc level). I've taken a year off, so I've been revising, and I took I resit (mostly as a measure to see how much I've forgotten / retained), but it's sure to still be a challenging experience, especially given I will be concentrating on a lot of math, physics and chemistry in the first year (three subjects I haven't studied in a classroom for 5 years, but retained a working interest in).

So I think that's coherent, onto the problem.

I'm considering taking a second minor class in a language, either BSL, Chinese, Spanish or Japanese. I have to decide which and if I want to go through with it, by the first week. I want advice on which you would recommend, including ones not listed if you feel they're more valuable (their are about 9 choices), or if I should take on the extra workload at all. Will the first year be especially tough, or should I be able to balance the two if I managed 3 A-Level's (this might make no sense to American readers right now)?

If you want my reasoning for those languages they're below, but otherwise say what you think, please. Thanks.

NON ESSENTIAL STUFF BELOW (in case the wall of text puts you off)

BSL (British Sign Language) - Always been interested in the intricate differences of sign language, and how it is a viable language. While I try to respect that it is just as flexible and eloquent as spoken language, I can never quite grasp how this can be; how those gestures and facial expressions could equate to grammar, lexis, etc... it's astounding and fascinating. Additionally I'm certain it'll put me in a unique position career wise, and will open up "uncrowded" doors for employment (given the need for, but relatively low number of speakers).

Chinese - Obviously, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, if not the (checks). Yes THE(e). The culture is ranked among my most studied and loved, with rich history that the language is an undeniably intrinsic part of.

Spanish - Again, enormous population of native speakers, and greatly important in the US, spoken by 12% of the population; as such will be an invaluable skill for employment. The culture it is attached to is no less rich than that to Chinese. I also do love the people, who seemingly have an unfettered love of life (as a stereotype of course, people are people).

Japanese - This is a self-indulgent choice, that revolves around simply an admiration and fascination with the culture, a desire to study there, and a long founded love of anime. Now, I have been told by more than one person, quite harshly, the latter is not a good enough reason to want to learn the language. I don't know if I agree. While it isn't my only reason (it is also the 9th most widely spoken language, and integral in the careers I want to follow), isn't a passion for something not a powerful motivator? Not that I favour this choice over the others, but I resent being derided and chastised for that reasoning.

So there we have it. Thanks again.

 

[instantbenz]

If you plan on going to a location in which those languages would be useful do a class of the language that pertains, otherwise keep more free time and use it to chill out from classes or work.

My heritage is German so I took a minor in my studies and it was fun. I did not need the extra humanity creds as I'm art anyway, but I enjoyed it. Can I hold up a conversation now, 2 years after my last class (conversation and composition)? Barely. Have I gone to Deutschland? Nein.

I mean it was interesting later as my lady took a few of the classes and I could help her and if we want to chat about someone we can right in front of them. Can't get too terribly detailed as we don't have an expansive vocab.

Like I said before, if you think you have a lot of time, use it for getting other things done and work for extra cash. That is the biggest bummer, being strapped for cash in college. Not failing to learn another language that might not be worth anything later.

Legit reasoning, but waste of time.

 

[Avistew]

I think sign language is usually a very good language to learn. First, there is less variation between sign languages than spoken ones, so you'll have a relatively easier time learning another language you know in sign language once you know one.
Secondly as you said, not so many speakers. It can definitely look very good on your resume and potentially make the difference.

And finally it's different and you seem interested in it... so I would say go for that one. Not that the others are bad options of course but this one sounds like the best for you from your post, in my opinion.

 

[Zantos]

Sign language would be pretty cool. Can't really explain why.

I reckon you'll definitely be able to fit it into your schedule. I filled up my free time in first year with drinking and meeting people, but that's definitely more worthwhile. If you work hard and make the most of free time then you'll definitely be able to fit learning a language inbetween making friends and your course.

 

[RunicFox]

I know people are saying Sign language, but coming from business, knowing how to fluently speak Chinese conversationally is going to land you some big money in the next 10 - 15 years


Good luck.

 

[Limecake]

I would take either BSL or spanish/japanese

BSL would probably be fairly easy to pick up since the language was designed to be taught instead of just coming about naturally, plus I too think it would be a lot of fun to learn.

Spanish would be good to learn since you live in America, plus if you are interested in languages french and spanish are fairly similar so picking up french later wouldn't be too difficult.

Japanese is another good one to learn but only because I'm a nerdy guy and I think it would be fun to play games that are region locked to japan. although practical use of japanese might not be as easy to find as spanish.

I have a friend who taught english in china for 2 years and from what he's told me it seems chinese people are more interested in learning english than the other way around. I cast my vote for BSL because I honestly don't know what the university workload for you will be and if you'll have a ton of time to devote to learning a language as well as your regular course load.

 

[Chasing-The-Light]

I'm a Chinese major, myself, so of course I voted for the Chinese, option. From what I've heard, it's easier to get than Japanese (though harder than Spanish, depending on what sort of person you are). And I don't really see any negative parts, to it. If you pick that up and make yourself even partially fluent in Chinese, you'll be all the more valuable to people than you already will be.

It opens up an entire new country and people and businesses you could work for. The workload might be a bit much, depending on how much work gets put on you, but I guarantee the payoffs at the end will make it worth it.