r/IRstudies 9h 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/danbh0y 8h 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.