Adam Gorlick reports that Chinese programs increasing in U.S. public schools.

Chinese, it seems, is becoming the new Latin in public schools.

At least 27 states offer Chinese language classes in either elementary, middle or high schools. And according to the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington D.C., there are 12 public and private immersion schools across the country where most subjects are taught exclusively in Mandarin Chinese.

"It's about jobs and a world economy," said Richard Alcorn, who spearheaded the first Chinese immersion charter school in Massachusetts.

Yes, it is. My Mandarin is poor. But sons and daughter taught me to use a few words in business with people who use Mandarin as their first language. It helped our business. These words also served as a daily reminder that the computer industry relies on Chinese manufacturers. Schools offering Chinese language development are giving their graduates a chance for a huge advantage over their English only cohorts.

And yes, at least one early adopter Tablet PC school recently received a six figure grant to prepare their students in Mandarin.

Also, several of your favorite mobile PC bloggers (not me) 9wispeak at least some Mandarin.

Kudos, Tableteers!

Does Mandarin replace Latin? No, nor is it likely to do so anytime soon. In the near future at least, English, with its Latin roots, is an international language of business.

Tablet PC Education Blog