Courses What language should I learn for Physics/Astronomy jobs?

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Choosing between Spanish and Mandarin for a physics or astronomy career hinges on job market opportunities. Spanish may offer advantages due to the growing number of physics and astronomy positions in Latin America. Conversely, Mandarin could be beneficial given its use in several non-China countries. Personal interest in the language and culture should also play a role in the decision. Ultimately, selecting a language that aligns with both career prospects and personal passion is advisable.
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I need to take a language course to complete my physics degree and I am wondering which language will be more beneficial in the job market for physics/astronomy. I am either going to take Spanish or Mandarin. I did notice that there are a lot of physics/astronomy jobs in Latin America so will learning Spanish be more beneficial? Or will Mandarin be more beneficial since there are a lot of non-China countries that speak Mandarin too.
 
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phinds said:
I suggest a forum search. This question has been asked several times.

For example: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-foreign-language-to-learn.808930/

My question is tailored to a very specific niche industry that doesn’t correlate with mathematics. My question is only focused to physics and astronomy jobs which the question you linked doesn’t relate to.
 
AstroGuyHere said:
My question is tailored to a very specific niche industry that doesn’t correlate with mathematics. My question is only focused to physics and astronomy jobs which the question you linked doesn’t relate to.
I was using that as an example, not the only post on the site answering your question.
 
AstroGuyHere said:
I need to take a language course to complete my physics degree and I am wondering which language will be more beneficial in the job market for physics/astronomy. I am either going to take Spanish or Mandarin. I did notice that there are a lot of physics/astronomy jobs in Latin America so will learning Spanish be more beneficial? Or will Mandarin be more beneficial since there are a lot of non-China countries that speak Mandarin too.
Aside from (my) being confused by your further comments in this topic; study the language which you think you would like! You can try to look at logical reasons or technical reasons to choose which language, but also try to think which language you WANT, just because of that language or cultures of the people who speak it.
 
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