I am a Graduate student and intend taking a language during my masters program. I need comments and advice on which language I should learn.
points that matter:

Rate at which people speak the language on a professional context.
Which of them matters on getting a Job.
which language is better and why.
Which of the language has a future?

French is world offial lang afta english

I suggest French for two main reasons- We are surrounded by French countries by all angles
- No matter where you go to in the world French is a recognized language

Are you doing your masters in the US? And do you plan to audit the class? Chinese is hard like Zap, while french is easy, that is why I am asking the question. Moreover, while many Americans are stupidly learning chinese, so as "stem" the tide of asian economic power- the chinese are learning english in droves, so as to compete for jobs and such.

However, learning chinese would make you an asset- how many africans speak chinese, very few- how many africans speak french, a dime in a dozen.

I will suggest french

thanks toba, tanimz and john paul

SEFAGO:

Are you doing your masters in the US? And do you plan to audit the class? Chinese is hard like Zap, while french is easy, that is why I am asking the question. Moreover, while many Americans are stupidly learning chinese, so as "stem" the tide of asian economic power- the chinese are learning english in droves, so as to compete for jobs and such.

However, learning chinese would make you an asset- how many africans speak chinese, very few- how many africans speak french, a dime in a dozen.

good point here, few Africans speak Chinese. it is like chinese is really taking over. But most Chinese people dont like to speak their language. they learn English and try as much to speak English with their foreign business associates. I study in United States. I believe the only reason most Americans learn chinese is not because of the language, but they wanna understand the culture. Chinese value their cultures a lot and wouldnt take it easy on you if you make a cultural mistake that might embarass or insult them.