How to Choose a Foreign Language to Study

Deciding to learn a foreign language means embarking on a long and challenging path, so choose wisely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books On The World's Languages
• Foreign Language Phrase Books
• Travel Guides
• CD-ROMs On The World's Languages

1. Consider what cultures interest you most. Learning the language of a culture you're fascinated with will give you an invaluable "in" into that culture.

2. Think of what places excite you: Wouldn't it be nice to walk the streets and enjoy the restaurants on your own time and in your own way?

3. Find out how many people speak the various languages you're considering learning. With what percentage of the world's population do you want to be able to communicate?

4. Look at a map to see how much area is covered by native speakers of various languages. The larger the area, the more places you'll be able to visit with ease.

5. Weigh the pros and cons of radically different languages: for example, some languages are more difficult on the one hand but offer access to a more "exotic" culture on the other.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're still struggling to make a decision, go with your gut feeling. It won't mislead you.
• Make sure the language is one you think you'll enjoy learning. It's tough enough learning a new language without the additional burden of doing something you don't enjoy.

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[coolprofessor]

on 4/14/2009 By far, the two most widely spoken languages in the world today are English and Spanish. These are the most important languages to learn. But in terms of shear numbers, the language that is spoken by more people than any other is Mandarin Chinese. If going to Asia, Chinese is the most important language to learn. On the other hand, English instruction is so advanced in China that soon China will have more English speakers than any other nation.

[DaughterNature]

on 12/14/2008 Some have to learn a language because of a job, which was what happened to me and Spanish. It wasn't such a bad transition, since I already speak Portuguese, which is very close, but none the less, challenging. There are different words used depending on a region, certains words commonly used in one Spanish speaking country is considered a bad word in others... sigh... I speak 3 languages and would love to learn French and Italian. It is indeed imperative to find someone to practice with...

on 8/25/2006 Keep in mind that to write many foreign languages requires you to learn a new alphabet, or even a new writing system (as in Chinese, Japanese, Arabic etc;).

Find out if your chosen language has a significantly different writing system to English, and see if you are still keen to learn.

on 8/8/2006 Many people do not consider Latin a foreign language, because it is "dead"- this is not the case! If you learn Latin, you can understand better the grammar and vocabulary of other Mediterranean languages. It is also one of the roots of English.

on 7/1/2006 Don't take a foreign language because your friends do or because your parents make you. It has to be your decision. You need to be content in the course and not always regretting taking it.