Why Orientalists Don't Work in Their Fields

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Polyglot, science journalist and author of popular science books. Speaks six foreign languages, two of which she teaches. She also runs a thematic Telegram channel, "Well, How to Say," where she shares her knowledge and experience in language learning.

Yana speaks Chinese, having studied at the Higher School of Economics, earning a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies with an emphasis on Chinese. This column examines the reasons why graduates of Asian studies, despite a shortage of specialists, rarely find jobs in their fields.

Recently, I was asked why, despite predictions of a shortage of Chinese language specialists, such as sinologists, their number in the market remains high. While trade and other relations with China continue to grow, many sinologists with degrees but no practical experience are unable to find work. This raises the question: is there truly a surplus of sinologists, or have Chinese people become more proficient in English in recent years? The answer to this question may be more complex than it seems, as it affects not only the level of language proficiency but also changes in international trade and cultural exchanges.

The mantra about the shortage of specialists in the field of Chinese studies continues to resound, and now it is receiving new momentum. Why do Asian scholars find their place in so many different fields, but not in their specialty? This is a question that requires in-depth analysis. The situation on the labor market, a lack of opportunities for professional development, and a lack of support from educational institutions may be the main factors. Chinese studies, as a discipline, has enormous potential, but its graduates face difficulties finding jobs in their specialty. It is important to create conditions for the successful integration of Chinese scholars into relevant fields so that they can realize their potential and contribute to the development of science and culture.

The main reason many choose Asian studies is that at the age of 16-18, they do not fully understand what awaits them in this field. At this stage of life, many make decisions based on a superficial understanding of the discipline, without considering all the aspects they will encounter. Asian studies requires deep analysis, the study of languages ​​and cultures, and a critical approach to information. Therefore, it is important for prospective students to understand all the nuances and complexities associated with this specialty before making a final decision about their educational path. Asian studies is a broad and multifaceted field of study that studies the culture, history, languages, and traditions of Eastern countries. This discipline covers a wide range of topics, including religion, philosophy, art, and economics. Oriental studies plays a vital role in understanding the interactions between East and West, as well as in examining the influence of Eastern civilizations on world culture. In the context of globalization and increasing international ties, knowledge of Eastern languages ​​and cultures is becoming increasingly relevant for professionals in various fields, from business to science. Thus, Asian studies are a key area that promotes intercultural dialogue and understanding.

• We are not translators (although we can translate, not only in writing, but also orally - sequentially and even simultaneously).
• And even more so, we are not teachers of Chinese (because to teach, it is not enough to have a good command of the language - you need to be able to convey this knowledge to students, this is a separate science).
• We are not specialists in intercultural communication (although, of course, we understand something about this).
• It cannot be said that we have a very deep understanding of the law, economics or culture of China (here, of course, you can’t put everyone under the same brush. If a person is really interested in something, he may well have a good understanding of it by the end of the fourth year. I am talking about the average graduate).

The education received forms the fundamental base, to which, if desired, you can add knowledge in Master's degree and develop them independently based on practical experience. You might say this is typical for any field, and you'd be right. However, in Asian studies, this tendency is particularly pronounced.

I know people who worked in their field for several years after graduating and are still doing so successfully. If you simply studied for four years, you have the opportunity to become an editor in a media outlet, given your knowledge of Chinese. You can also find an internship or other position at a Chinese company. However, it is worth noting that this applies to average graduates who do not show much initiative, and they are the majority.

The labor market is in need of qualified specialists, and that's undeniable. However, if your goal is to obtain a high-paying position, you should be aware that employers have high expectations. They expect you to have excellent knowledge of Chinese, understand legal aspects, be able to provide simultaneous translation, and have several years of experience in fields such as logistics, sales, marketing, or data analytics. If you are at the entry-level or mid-career level, employers may view you as a potential candidate from whom they can mold the ideal employee according to their standards.

If you join a Chinese company and begin a slow but steady climb up the career ladder, you will encounter a unique culture, both corporate and general. This experience is unlikely to be useful in other countries. For foreigners, career advancement in a Chinese company is a challenging task. While it is not impossible, overcoming cultural barriers can be challenging. Let me return to my original point: when a 17-year-old chooses Asian studies, they often don't realize these aspects. This is important to consider.

The Chinese are making significant progress in learning English. More and more people are learning this language, especially in large international companies where management typically speaks English. Nevertheless, the demand for translators remains stable. Although written translation, as with other languages, is gradually being replaced by machine translation, the human factor remains in demand in some fields.

Learning Chinese, like other Eastern languages ​​such as Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, requires significantly more effort than European languages. It is impossible to achieve a level of everyday communication by devoting only a few hours a week to study. This requires at least a year of intensive study in a university setting. Even after four years of a bachelor's degree, the knowledge is insufficient to fully work as a translator from Chinese. In most cases, the successful translators I know spent at least a year, and preferably more, studying in China. This requires time, desire, and financial investment.

In my personal experience, the problem in the labor market isn't a lack of in-demand specialists, but rather that some people consciously choose not to pursue this profession, realizing it's not right for them. Others are unwilling to spend additional years acquiring the necessary qualifications and experience, which are critical in this specific field. Without these skills, it is difficult to count on a decent salary and good working conditions.

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