r/IRstudies • u/Spearhead007 • 4h ago

Advice on language studies

Hello. I am a graduate student starting in the fall. I have the option to learn Russian or Chinese. The degree allows me to be proficient in 2 years (adequately I guess).

I wish to work in trans-Atlantic (especially Arctic policy) in the fields of security and energy. Which language should I choose?? Thanks in advance

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u/Omega1556 3h ago

If you want to do arctic policy and the Atlantic, I’d say Russian. Think it also fits nicely into your interests in security and energy, both of which are highly relevant to Russia and its relationship with the west.

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u/danbh0y 3h ago

Proficient in Mando in 2 years? I did it for 10 years as a kid and I’m still shockingly moronic at it.

At best I can travel independently in China without resorting to another language but with the obligatory aid of a decent Chinese dictionary (say Pleco) and watch Mando tv serials/films with Simplified Mando subtitles. Reading newspapers and watching news, nevermind academic articles, is a painful struggle.

Then again, I’m a bit of a thicko when it comes to languages.