Choosing the Right Language to Learn!

By Tadas Rackauskas

Are you thinking about learning a new language, but not sure which one to choose? With so many languages to choose, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. However, with the right approach, deciding on a new language to learn can be an extremely exciting and fulfilling experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore five key factors to consider when choosing the right language you will be learning! Let’s go!

1) Personal interests and hobbies:

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new language to learn is your personal interests and hobbies. Are you interested in learning a language for travel purposes, or do you have a particular interest in a culture or literature? For example, if you’re interested in exploring the culture and history of Japan, learning Japanese would be a great choice. Those who love Chekhov may gravitate towards Russian. If you’re an avid soccer fan, learning Spanish or Portuguese would enable you to better connect with players and fans from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. 

2) Career Opportunities

Another factor to consider when choosing a new language to learn is career opportunities. Depending on the career you want to pursue, learning a particular language could increase your chances of advancing in your career or open up new job opportunities. 

3) Linguistic Similarities:

If you’re already fluent in one language, learning a related language might be easier than starting from scratch. For example, if you’re fluent in Spanish, learning Italian or Portuguese could be a natural choice, as they share many linguistic similarities. Similarly, if you’re already proficient in French, learning other Romance languages could be easier. Languages often have relationships just like a family, so languages more closely related might be easier to learn. 

4) Difficulty Level:

Some languages are inherently more difficult to learn than others. Languages like Mandarin or Arabic have complex writing systems and tonal pronunciations that can be challenging for English speakers. On the other hand, languages like Spanish or Italian have more straightforward grammar rules and easier pronunciation for English speakers. Consider your learning style and ability when choosing a language that matches your skill level. Keep in mind that difficulty is also subjective and will vary based on your own personal experience!

5) Accessibility and Community:

Finally, consider the accessibility of resources and the availability of a community of speakers to practice with. Language learning apps and online courses make it easier than ever to learn a new language, but it can be challenging to find opportunities to practice speaking with others. Consider joining a language exchange program or seeking out language learning communities in your area to help practice and reinforce your skills. 

Conclusion:

Choosing a new language to learn can be a fun and rewarding experience. Consider your personal interests, career goals, linguistic similarities, difficulty level, and accessibility when making your decision. And remember, no matter which language you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning!

If you need help getting started with your language learning journey, LanguageBird offers online language courses with native-level instructors. With our personalized approach and flexible scheduling, you can learn at your own pace and achieve your language learning goals!