First Spanish, then Chinese, says Nicholas Kristof

In this editorial, New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof discusses the trend (mainly among hyper-competitive, status-aware parents) of enrolling children in Chinese (Mandarin) lessons. In terms of chic-ness, Chinese is apparently the new French. Although a fluent speaker of Chinese who commends the pursuit of taking up Mandarin, Kristof argues for the importance of learning Spanish first. Not only is it easier for English speakers to acquire, but Spanish is also increasingly important, as the U.S.'s hispanic population is steadily growing. There's also the whole matter of Latin America being our neighbor.