Learning a new difficult language can be a fun and exciting challenge. But for English speakers, some languages may prove to be more difficult than others. In this blog post, we’ll explore the six best and hardest languages for English speakers to learn. From the romance languages of French and Spanish to the tonal language of Mandarin Chinese, we’ll discuss why these languages may pose a challenge for English speakers and what resources are available to help you succeed.
But, why is it so hard to learn a foreign language, anyway? Put simply, it’s hard because it challenges both your mind (your brain has to construct new cognitive frameworks) and time (it requires sustained, consistent practice).
6 Hardest languages for English speakers to learn:
Learning a language, although it may be hard, is incredibly beneficial for various reasons. Firstly, learning a new language opens up a whole new world of opportunities. It allows for better communication and understanding with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Additionally, it enhances cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking. Learning a language also provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures, their traditions, and their literature.
It can also lead to increased job prospects and career opportunities, as many companies value employees who are bilingual or multilingual. Overall, although it may be challenging, the benefits of learning a language outweigh the difficulties, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
Let’s see below the hardest languages for English speakers to learn:
1. Hungarian:
Hungarian is considered one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn. The language is part of the Uralic language family, which means it shares very few similarities with the Germanic and Romance languages that most English speakers are familiar with. Hungarian also has a complex grammar system, with 18 cases and numerous verb forms, making it challenging to master.
Additionally, pronunciation can be difficult for English speakers, as some sounds simply do not exist in the English language. While learning Hungarian may be a daunting task, those who take on the challenge will certainly have a unique and rewarding experience mastering this fascinating language.
2. Bulgarian:
Bulgarian is often cited as one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn. It is a Slavic language with a complex grammar system that includes seven cases and three genders, which can make it difficult for non-native speakers to master. Additionally, Bulgarian has a unique alphabet that consists of 30 letters, some of which are similar in appearance to English letters but have different sounds.
The language also has a number of irregular verb forms and noun declensions that can take years to fully grasp. Despite the challenges, learning Bulgarian can be incredibly rewarding and open up new opportunities for communication and cultural understanding. With dedication and practice, anyone can overcome the difficulties of learning this fascinating language.
3. Serbian:
Serbian is often considered one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn. One reason for this is that Serbian has a complex grammar system with seven cases and three genders, which can be difficult for English speakers who are used to only two cases and no gendered nouns. Additionally, Serbian pronunciation can be challenging due to its use of unfamiliar sounds and intonation patterns.
Another factor that makes Serbian a difficult language to learn is its vocabulary, which includes many loan words from other Slavic languages as well as Turkish and German. However, despite these challenges, learning Serbian can be a rewarding experience for those willing to put in the effort, and it can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
4. Turkish:
Turkish is often cited as one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn. This is because Turkish has a completely different grammatical structure than English, with complex verb conjugations and noun declensions. Additionally, Turkish has eight vowel sounds, which can be difficult for English speakers who are used to only five. Another challenge for English speakers learning Turkish is the language’s extensive use of suffixes, which can drastically change the meaning of a word.
Despite these challenges, learning Turkish can be incredibly rewarding, as it opens up a whole new world of culture and history. With dedication and practice, even the most difficult language can be mastered.
5. Arabic:
Arabic is often considered one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn. One reason for this is that Arabic uses a different writing system than English, with its own unique alphabet and script. Additionally, Arabic has a complex grammar system that includes many rules and nuances that can be difficult to master.
The pronunciation of Arabic can also be challenging for English speakers, as it includes sounds that are not present in the English language. However, with dedicated study and practice, it is certainly possible for English speakers to learn Arabic and gain proficiency in this important language.
6. Farsi:
Farsi, also known as Persian, is considered one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn. This is due in part to its complex grammar system, which includes verb conjugation and noun declension, as well as a different writing system (Persian script) that may be challenging to master.
Additionally, Farsi vocabulary includes many loanwords from Arabic and Turkish, making it even more difficult for English speakers to recognize and remember words. However, with dedication and practice, it is still possible to become proficient in Farsi.
Hardest Languages to Learn for English speakers: Where to Start
Learning a hard language can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Set clear goals: Understand why you want to learn the language and what level of proficiency you hope to achieve. This will help you stay motivated throughout the learning process.
2. Find the right resources: Look for textbooks, online courses, language exchange apps, or tutors that specialize in teaching the language you want to learn. Choose resources that align with your learning style and preferences.
3. Start with the basics: Begin by learning the alphabet, basic grammar rules, and common phrases. Building a strong foundation will make it easier to progress to more advanced concepts.
4. Practice regularly: Consistency is key when learning a difficult language. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Immersing yourself in the language as much as possible will also help improve your skills.
5. Seek out native speakers: Engaging with native speakers is a great way to practice and improve your language skills. Look for language exchange partners, join language learning communities, or consider hiring a tutor for personalized guidance.
6. Embrace the culture: Learning a language is not just about memorizing vocabulary and grammar. Immerse yourself in the culture of the language you’re learning by watching movies, listening to music, reading books, and trying traditional foods. This will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the language.
7. Be patient and persistent: Learning a hard language takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Stay committed to your goals and celebrate small victories along the way.
Remember, learning a difficult language is a journey that requires dedication and perseverance. Stay motivated, practice regularly, and enjoy the process of discovering a new language and culture.
Once you have a basic foundation in the language, it’s possible that another, more comprehensive resource, might be a better option. For example, taking an online course that involves live classes in addition to self-study, or using a comprehensive self-study book. 2
Some FAQs:
1. What is hardest language to learn for English speakers?
The hardest languages for English speakers to learn can vary depending on a number of factors, including the learner’s background, experience with other languages, and learning style. However, some commonly cited difficult languages for English speakers include:
- Mandarin Chinese: due to its tonal nature and complex writing system.
- Arabic: due to its complex grammar and script.
- Russian: due to its extensive case system and unfamiliar alphabet.
- Japanese: due to its complex writing system and unique grammar structure.
2. What are the top 3 hardest languages to learn for English speakers?
Here are three languages that are often considered to be among the hardest languages for English speakers to learn:
- Arabic: Arabic has a unique alphabet with 28 letters and a different script for cursive writing. It also has complex grammatical rules and pronunciations.
- Hungarian: Hungarian is a Uralic language with no relation to Indo-European languages such as English or French. It has complex grammar rules, including 18 cases for nouns, adjectives, and pronouns.
- Japanese: Japanese has three writing systems (kanji, hiragana, and katakana), complex grammar rules, and a unique sentence structure that makes it a challenging language for many learners.
3. Is Arabic hard to learn for English speakers?
Every language has its own unique challenges and complexities, such as grammar rules, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural nuances. Some people may find Arabic difficult to learn because it has a different script and pronunciation system than other languages they are familiar with.
4. What are the 8 hardest languages to learn in the world for English speakers?
Here are eight of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn in the world:
- Mandarin Chinese
- Arabic
- Japanese
- Korean
- Finnish
- Hungarian
- Russian
- Icelandic
5. Is Arabic the hardest language in the world?
The difficulty of any language depends on a variety of factors, including a person’s native language and level of motivation. Therefore, it is difficult to say that Arabic is the hardest language in the world.
That being said, it is true that Arabic has several unique features that can make it more challenging for learners. For example, the writing system uses an abjad alphabet which consists of 28 characters and requires memorization.
Additionally, there are several dialects and regional variations within Arabic which can present difficulties when travelling or communicating with others from different backgrounds.
For these reasons, learning Arabic is often seen as a challenge but it is certainly possible to become fluent with dedication and hard work.
In summary, the language that is the hardest to learn for English speakers may vary depending on individual proficiency and context. However, some of the world’s most difficult languages are generally considered to be Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Finnish, Hungarian, Russian and Icelandic.
References:
- Why learning a language is hard & how to make it easier ‹ GO Blog | EF GO Blog. (n.d.). GO Blog | EF GO Blog. https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/language/why-learning-a-language-is-hard/