And more people are catching on here in the UK.

Why the Chinese Language Means Business

Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. This is why learning Chinese can help you achieve serious results in many and varied ways, such as:

• Building stronger relationships with international clients
• Standing out in competitive industries
• Negotiating foreign travel and culture with confidence

But it’s not only individuals choosing to learn Chinese to better their chances. Additionally, businesses are leaning in. After all, a few well-placed phrases break the ice faster than any handshake.

And circa 2026, there’s less pain and more gain than ever.

Worry It’s Too Hard to Learn Chinese? Not Anymore

 There’s no papering over the fact Chinese is demanding. But it’s far from impossible at a leading language school, where teaching systems include:

• Beginner courses to get you speaking from day one
• Structured lessons keeping progress steady and you motivated
• 1:1 tuition to fast track your skills

The right support makes all the difference when learning Mandarin or exploring Cantonese. And perhaps surprisingly, it’s great fun too, regardless of age and experience. 

 Not Just for Grown Ups

 Learning Chinese is just for business professionals, right? Wrong!

It’s not in every classroom yet. But momentum is building:

• Mandarin is one of the fastest growing languages in UK education
• More schools and clubs are introducing it early
• Young learners are approaching it as a future fit skill

Accordingly, China Daily’s Zheng Wanyin reported in her recent article More in UK keen to learn Chinese language:

“Heated discussions have also been taking place in the UK about how to build the country’s China capabilities, with the report stressing that the education sector – which produces a pipeline of graduates with Mandarin language skills, knowledge of Chinese culture, politics and history, as well as firsthand experience of the country – must be included in the long-term investment strategy.” 

Start Your Middle Kingdon Era Here

At la Academia, why not join us in celebration of history, culture, and connection? Plus, it’s a powerful reminder the future is yours for the taking if you can communicate across borders.

Get in touch to learn Chinese for business, travel, or pure curiosity.

So, let’s trot out some fun facts, key quirks, and compelling reasons to make this the year you learn Chinese.

What Makes Chinese New Year So Special?

 Celebrations traditionally last 15 joyful days, finishing with the magical Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the lunar year.

The ethos around Chinese New Year is simple and powerful. How you begin the year shapes the luck you carry forward.

This is why you’ll see people:

• Staying up on New Year’s Eve to welcome good fortune
• Giving red packets of money, known as hongbao in Mandarin or lai see in Cantonese, for luck and protection
• Decorating with kumquat trees for wealth and prosperity

Add into the mix symbolic foods celebrating abundance, health and wealth, like fish, dumplings and noodles. The result? A cultural feast packed with meaning.

And in 2026-27, there’s new show pony in town. 

What the Fire Horse Brings to the Party

 “In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed and breakthrough,” traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist Susan Gu explained to Vogue’s Morgan Fargo in her recent This Is What the Year of the Fire Horse Means for You article.

 “It reflects a stage of life that moves boldly forward without the fear of obstacles, placing emphasis on being in motion rather than standing still.” 

As for the elemental addition of the fire, it “… brings intensity, urgency, and passion, which can feel motivating but also demanding,” added integrative Chinese medicine clinician Ada Ooi.

“This combination often creates a faster pace of life and a stronger drive to achieve.” 

Say no more. 

Why Learn Chinese in the Year of the Fire Horse?

 Chinese New Year is about fresh starts. Accordingly, it fits beautifully to learn Chinese in this spirit.

Oh, and did we mention a few other persuasive factors, such as:

• Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world
• Learning Chinese opens doors culturally, socially, and professionally
• Even basic phrases make a powerful first impression in business or when travelling

At la Academia, we’ll help you ride the momentum of the fire horse all year long.

Get in touch to tap into Chinese New Year, new energy, and a new language.

And what if it’s your zodiac year? Leading tour operator China Highlights says in its Snake Horoscope 2025  article: “… you’re in for a significant year, and with the Tai Sui (the God of Age) right above you, it can bring some challenges.

“But don’t worry! If you can tap into some good luck from the stars and keep a positive mindset, you can turn those challenges into opportunities and welcome some good fortune. Just stay optimistic, and you’ll navigate through just fine!”

That includes your plans to learn Chinese, whether you’re a snake or not!

Why Learn Chinese in 2025?

This FAQ should be rephrased as “Why not learn Chinese in 2025?” There are many and varied reasons students of all ages want to murmur in Mandarin. And here are just a few:

• Career supercharge – China’s economic rise isn’t slowing down and language proficiency can open doors in industries like finance, tech, and tourism. Not to mention negotiating deals, building partnerships, or impressing clients by greeting them in their own language. Instant credibility!

• Rich culture – You’ll access to over 5,000 years of captivating traditions, art, and philosophy when you learn Chinese, from Confucius to contemporary cliffhangers.

• Travel savvy – Even basic Chinese skills can supplement your trips. You’ll be able to skip the tour guide bubble and uncover China’s hidden gems with your language know-how.

At la Academia, we’ve got the language lessons, courses and tuition options if you’ve got the inspiration to take your first step into the Chinese language. Get in touch when you’re ready to take up the challenge and learn Chinese in the Year of the Snake?

Why? Let’s take a trip back in time.

From Colonies to Country

Canada wasn’t always the sprawling, welcoming nation of today. In fact, it began as three separate British colonies. This glorious day commemorates the joining of these colonies into a single entity within the British Empire, birthing what’s now known as Canada – the politest and socially progressive country on the planet.

A Rich Tapestry of Languages

Canada’s giant diversity of languages and cultures is as vast and varied as its landscape. In fact, its linguistic richness tells the story of inclusion and acceptance, driven by the top five languages that make up its multicultural mosaic:

·       1) English – The most spoken language, English, is the glue that binds together Canada’s provinces and territories, enabling coast-to-coast communication.

·       2) French – The second official language, French, is testament to the Canadian nation’s deep historical roots and cultural ties, particularly in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick.

·       3) Mandarin Chinese – The significance of the Mandarin language reflects Canada’s vibrant Asian communities, adding to the cacophony of voices defining 21^st century Canadian cities.

·       4) Punjabi – Punjabi’s hefty presence in Canada signifies its strong and dynamic South Asian population, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario.

·       5) Spanish – Last but not least, Spanish is rapidly contributing to the lively and diverse spirit of Canada.

So, go ahead and enjoy the fireworks and barbecues, while bearing in mind Canada Day is a celebration of the multifaceted communities and languages spoken across the nation. And each language is a piece of the puzzle, combining to create a harmonious and inclusive society.

At la Academia, we’ll help you add to the many voices singing ‘O Canada’ in different tongues. Get in touch for course details or private learning options, whether you’re aspiring to tap into Canada with “Hello,” “Bonjour,” or “Ni Hao”.

This might be because of global career aspirations. Or, perhaps UK citizens are inspired by the Chinese people they encounter in everyday life. After all, the World Population Review confirms: “Countries with large Chinese communities and Mandarin speakers are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, and Madagascar.”

With Chinese Language Day celebrated annually every 20^th April, its significance continues to multiply, alongside China’s soaring influence on the global stage.

Here are just a few reasons why there’s no shortage of appetite for the language of the Red Dragon amongst Brits of all ages and demographics:

• Valuable Communication and Cultural Skill

Chinese has become one of the most popular languages to learn in the UK. It’s even taught from primary to tertiary level in some schools across the country. Why? Because China is increasingly important as a major economic and political power. To this end, learning Chinese not only equips students to communicate, but also offers unique insights into Chinese culture, history and society.

• Sought After Business Language

As China’s influence snowballs, so does demand for professionals who can speak the Chinese language and navigate the Chinese business landscape. For this purpose, learning Chinese open ups many exciting career opportunities for UK students.

• Supports Overseas Expansion

Many UK companies are looking east to expand their operations in China. In order to realise their ambitions, they’re also looking for employees who can speak Chinese.

A La Academia, we welcome students of all ages to some and learn the Chinese language with us. We can’t wait to help get you prepped and ready to grasp the many exciting career opportunities awaiting you. Get in touch for the best options to suit your needs.

And you’re going to love this… The Chinese Year of the Rabbit could be a vintage year, according to The Chinese Zodiac. It predicts, “This upcoming year is generally seen as being less dramatic or tumultuous than the previous Year of the Tiger.

“According to Chinese Astrology, the Rabbit symbolizes patience and luck. This suggests that the Year of the Rabbit 2023 will bring qualities that may have been lacking in the previous year, such as peace and success.”

But if you really want to ignite 2023, there are a few Chinese New Year traditions to keep on the right side of. If you do, they might just ensure the Year of the Rabbit is the greatest year of your life.

Get a Firm Grip on Your Crockery

• No butter fingers when you’re handling plates, cups, bowls and glasses. Dropping and breaking might shatter your chances of good fortune and economic wellbeing in the year ahead. And if you do? Wash away the risk, by wrapping the broken pieces in red paper, and throwing them in to a lake, river or the sea.

Keep Your Hair On

• Gracefully accept bad hair days until the celebrations are over on 2^nd February. This is because scissors and sharp objects might cut off your chances of career success and prosperity.

Give the Mother-in-Law a Wide Berth

• Avoid the maternal mother-in-law on Chinese New Year’s Day if you want to maintain wedded bliss. But a visit on the second day is fine, even if your mother-in-law doesn’t appreciate being made to feel like second best.

At La Academia, our extensive range of Chinese language learning options go from beginners to business! So don’t just rabbit on about it! Get in touch with us and discover how we can make your Mandarin and Cantonese studies fun and failproof.

The British Council’s Head of Schools Programmes, Mark Herbert, said of the survey result, “With the global economy becoming more interconnected and the drive to boost exports… Chinese is one of the languages that matter most to the UK’s future prosperity.”

China has the largest populations on the planet, estimated at 1,449,175,232 by Worldometer in April 2022. The prospect of getting a foothold and exporting to China is an enticing one for British businesses.

But you ideally need to speak some Chinese in order to establish those all-important connections and build successful business relationships in China.

For this purpose, Chinese for business lessons might be just the solution to help turn your business dreams to reality.

What Sort of Chinese for Business Tuition is Available in the UK?

No matter how many or few of you need to brush up on your Chinese for business, there’s a variety of compelling tuition options that can be delivered at your premises or at a local language school –

• Individual Tuition – 1:1 Chinese for business tuition might be especially relevant for your business if you’ve appointed a ‘spokesperson’ to drill down in to sector-specific vocabulary.

• Classroom Training – A classroom situation is a powerful way for two to three of you to learn Chinese for business, with language exercises and role playing for hands-on learning optimisation.

• Group Training – If several of you need to master Chinese for business, a group setting is conducive to enjoyable and engaging language learning at pace. It offers ample opportunity for interacting and practicing your newfound language skills. In addition, a great language school will also ensure cultural awareness training is included. Its importance can’t be underestimated for preparing you for the customs and etiquette you’ll need to know about when you’re entering Chinese markets.

Manchester’s award-winning La Academia wishes you a prosperous Chinese Language Day and looks forward to providing leading-edge Chinese for business tuition to help your business grow.

Sources

UK parents: Mandarin ‘most beneficial’ non-European language, British Council
China Population, Worldometer

The tiger’s roar is an exciting proposition in the Chinese horoscope. It represents positivity, reparation, financial prosperity and stability. Sounds like just the ticket, right?

There’s more if you’re a tiger yourself – born in 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, etc. If you’re on a Chinese language learning journey this year, you might want to check your undie drawer for a certain colour.

So, what’s the special sauce that red underwear entails according to this titillating tradition?

How Can the Tiger Make Chinese Language Learning Less Pants?

The Beijinger’s Wendy Xu explains, “… There’s nothing romantic about it. Instead, people who need to wear it believe they are likely to face more challenges or troubles than usual in their zodiac year and that they need to wear red to ward off bad luck every single day of the New Year.”

Tigers take heed! You’re probably aware that Chinese language learning is generally thought to be one of the most difficult of all global languages. You can use all the help you can get.

But, there’s a proviso. According to superstition, wearing red underwear for good tiger luck won’t work unless you’ve received it as a gift.

Joey Wong of Lifestyle Asia has a perfect solution to this dilemma if you’re short on crimson camis or blood-red briefs.

“The underwear in question — be it thong, bikini brief, boy-shorts, boxer trunks or something much more scandalous — must be bought, then gifted by someone else. No purchasing red underwear for yourself, please, unless you’re willing to settle for second-rate luck. Why risk it! If anything, it’d make for a fun Valentine’s Day gift, too.”

It could be all the difference between languishing at the bottom of the class or being the star pupil.

At La Academia, we offer a range of beginner’s courses and also business courses for Chinese language learning. Take a look at look at them here . With our expert support, you’ll soon be saying (red) knickers to the notion that Chinese language learning is laborious!

Sources

Chinese Superstitions 101: Why Do People Wear Red Underwear in the New Year? Wendy Xu, The Beijinger
Just a big list of bright red underwear for Chinese New Year 2022, Joey Wong, Lifestyle Asia

Australia Day on 26^th January annually marks the first British ships landing in New South Wales in 1788.

As a result of this historic event, English became the native tongue in Oz, and remains so to this day. WorldAtlas confirms that, “The 2011 analysis of language spoken at home indicate that majority of Australians speak English only… Overall about 76.8% of the people speak English only…”

But, the languages in Australia are a-changing. So, if you’re planning to visit Australia or even emigrate to Australia, it’s well worth looking in to the language trends in your specific regions of interest.

Key emerging languages in Australia “include Punjabi, Filipino/Tagalog, and Arabic.”

And, like most major metropolitan areas in any country, that’s where languages in Australia are really shaking things up. “Sydney and Melbourne house more than 65% of non-English migrants who in general speak some 240 foreign languages”, WorldAtlas explains.

As a result, some of the shifts in languages in Australia are quite pronounced over just a five year period in between the Australian Bureau of Statistics censuses conducted in 2011 and 2016:-

• English

Spoken by 76.8% (16,509,291 people) in 2011
Spoken by 72.7% (17,020,417 people) in 2016 = up 4.1% (+ 511,126 people)

• Mandarin

Spoken by 1.6% (336,410 people) in 2011
Spoken by 2.5% (596,711 people) in 2016 = up 0.9% (+ 259,767 people)

• Arabic (replacing Italian, which was spoken by 1.4% = 299,833 people in 2011, but doesn’t appear in the list of the top 5 languages in Australia in 2016)

Spoken by 1.3% (287,174 people) in 2011
Spoken by 1.4% (321,728 people) in 2016 = 0.1% increase (+ 34,554 people)

• Cantonese

Spoken by 1.2% (263,673 people) in 2011
Spoken by 1.2% (280,943 people) in 2016 = static (+17,270 people)

•  Vietnamese (a new entry in 2016 that didn’t appear in the list of the top 5 languages in Australia in 2011)

Spoken by 1.2% (277,400 people) in 2016

At La Academia, we’re here to help ensure your language skills aren’t a dog’s breakfast if you’re dreaming of throwing a shrimp on the barbie. No worries, mate, she’ll be right.

Sources

What Languages Are Spoken In Australia? WorldAtlas
Census reveals a fast changing, culturally diverse nation, Australian Bureau of Statistics

But, like learning any subject, it’s easier when you’ve got a teacher who makes lessons a pleasure rather than a chore and/or a bore.

So, we’re pleased to have collared our fabulous Vivien Hom for November’s ‘In the Staffroom’, for a chat about her love for China and bringing the Mandarin Chinese language to a broader audience.

Q. You’re native Chinese, aren’t you, Vivien? Where did you spend your childhood and what memories do you have of it?
A. I grew up in Ningbo. It’s an important port city in East China’s Zhejiang province, about a two-and-a-half hour car journey from Shanghai. It’s a very developed and also a prosperous part of China.

Q. Do you still manage to go back there?
A. Me and my three children go back China to regularly. We’d love to spend more time there if possible.

Q. Why is that?
A. It’s amazing. There’s always so much to do and see. Time always flies so fast when we’re there. Ningbo is a very cultural city, with its history rooted in Hemudu Neolithic Culture. It’s also home to China’s oldest surviving library.

Q. When did you decide you wanted a career that involved the Mandarin Chinese language?
A. I started teaching the Chinese language to my friends when I was at university. After I became a mum, I started focusing on teaching Mandarin Chinese as my career. It’s a win:win. I really enjoy it. And I’m proud to teach the language and culture I love.

Q. And what about your own time when you’re not teaching in the school?
A. In my free time, I like to watches movie with my family. I also love travel, gardening, knitting, sewing and cross-stitching. I’ve reached a crafting milestone recently; I’ve completed my daughter’s prom dress.

At La Academia, we offer Chinese language courses and tuition options at beginners, intermediate and advanced levels, plus Chinese for business, in the Manchester school or online.

If you’re interested in learning the Chinese language, the Mandarin Chinese language – or if you’re not sure what the difference is – get in touch for a chat about your learning needs and what will best suit them –

T – 0161 491 1444
E – info@laacademia.co.uk