Picking up a new language

I am trying to pick up a new language, and its not your usual French/German/Bahasa Indonesia/Malay/Jap.

It is Math... or to be more specific, Mathematical Econs.

I think a year ago, or even just at the start of this yr (when I was looking at the module list), I would have not considered to learn much more math at all. Afterall Maths has always been sort of an necessary evil for me ever since secondary school days, right into JC - Never mind that I have been a part time A Maths tutor for these few years (Which I am quite grateful for in keeping my Math level to at least the O level standard).

So when I first decided to brush up my math, it was more of a necessary evil reason as well. A quick look at the current economics publications will indicate that any serious study of economics will definitely require a much higher level of math than my current level. In fact, it is the working language of economics.

Now I am halfway into Chiang's Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics (I got a really old book printed 1984, its older than me!), and guess what, it is quite enjoyable. It's just a preliminary read though, so I think I only actually understood 10-20% of what I read. A lot of the seemingly circular mathematical logics and proofs, as well as the mathematical grammar does go over my head very often.

Just bought a copy of Varian's Microeconomic Analysis for interest (haha and hopefully its going to be EC4101 text so that I don't need to buy another text), but its math is currently way above my level, so I think its only more accessible only after I master the Mathematical econs. It is interesting how this Microeconomic Analysis contrasts with his 'baby' text, "Intermediate Microeconomics" in the way it is written. The latter's arguments are almost all in words, with minimal math except simple algebra, and its elder brother's arguments are almost all in math. Consequently, the 'baby' text is much thicker than the 'adult' text. His sense of humour pervades throughout the both texts though.

A further few thoughts on this, the relative lack of mathematical foundation in NUS econs' compulsory curriculum does seem a bit worrying to me. I find that most other universities usually have at least one or two compulsory mathematical modules in their econs programme to cover all these basic tools needed for economic analysis. But in NUS's case, there is none, which means most likely a B.A (non honours) econs grad is not likely to be economic literature literate... which doesn't seem to be good... Furthermore, the optional Mathematical Econs I, II (There is none for the coming Acad yr), III are offered irregularly, with small classes(and enrollment as well, haha after all most people come to FASS to avoid sci and math).

Wish me luck on this... haha...