Learning a new language can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but some languages are notoriously difficult for non-native speakers to master. English speakers, in particular, may struggle with languages that have complex grammar structures, unfamiliar writing systems, or unique pronunciation rules.
In this article, we will explore some of the hardest languages for non-English speakers to learn and the reasons why they pose such a challenge. Whether you are a language enthusiast or someone looking to expand your linguistic horizons, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world’s most challenging languages.
Hardest Languages to Learn for Non English Speakers
Learning a language can be important and very rewarding, but it does take a lot of time and effort. And the more time you spend learning a language, the less you can use it in your everyday life. However, if you are an English speaker and have never studied another language before, then these hard languages to learn for non-English speakers may surprise you.
The process of language learning is an active process that a human experiences after birth and it keeps on in progress throughout one’s life. 1
Is the English language the Hardest Language to Learn For Non-English Speakers?
The short answer is: it depends on the learner’s native tongue. The native language is often taught and polished at a young age. In this phase, children learn how to translate and decode their ideas to sounds used to communicate.
After learning the native tongue, a person would use it as a general reference for learning the following languages in the future.
1. Dutch
Although languages like Scots and Frisian are nearest to English, Dutch has a bigger speaking population. This makes it a good choice for learners who want to learn a more challenging language.
Dutch speakers usually describe the language as a combination of English and German. But when it comes to word order, the language leans more towards the German influence. It uses the subject-object-verb (SOV) instead of the subject-verb-object (SVO).
2. German
German is one of the hardest languages to learn for non-native English speakers. This is because it shares many similarities with English, but also has unique grammar and vocabulary that makes learning difficult.
This language is beneficial to learn, as long as you don’t mind the grind (it is equally difficult for both English and non-English speakers).
3. French
French is one of the hardest languages to learn for non-native English speakers because it has a very different alphabet and grammar from English. This can make it difficult to understand written material, particularly if you don’t have prior experience with French.
Native speakers of Sino-Tibetan languages (e.g., Chinese, Burmese, and Tibetan) might have an easier time learning French.
This is because the French /u/ sound does exist in Chinese, unlike its English counterpart. Still, expect to get frustrated by nasal vowels that the French language is known for.
4. Italian
Italian is a difficult language to learn for non-native English speakers because it has complex grammar and many dialects. This can make it hard to understand spoken Italian, even if you are familiar with the alphabet.
Unlike its French and German cousins, Italian is not a very popular language for foreign learners. In Business, other languages such as Japanese, German, and French are commonly used.
What makes the wording stand out is its purely aesthetic appeal. Italian is one of the most famous Romantic language families because it sounds good.
5. Portuguese
Portuguese is a difficult language to learn for non-native English speakers because it has different sounds and grammar than English. This can make it hard to understand written Portuguese material, even if you are familiar with the alphabet.
However, the speaking population is larger than in other languages on this list, making it a good choice for learners who want to learn a more challenging language.
As of 2020, Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Brazil, Angola, Sao tome, Principe, and Mozambique.
As another Romance language on the list, word-sharing with English and other Indo-European languages are very common.
6. Spanish
Spanish is one of the most common languages spoken in the world and is also a difficult language to learn for non-native English speakers. This is because it has a similar alphabet and grammar to English, but has different pronunciation and vocabulary.
Even so, Spanish would be a pain in the neck if you don’t pay attention to the three moods of verbal tenses. Verb tense is the most dreaded area of Spanish learning.
7. Swedish
Swedish is a difficult language to learn for non-native English speakers because it has a similar alphabet and grammar to English, but has different pronunciation and vocabulary. This can make it hard to understand written material, even if you are familiar with the alphabet.
The best thing about the North Germanic group (aka the Scandinavian languages) is the interchangeability among the languages. Once you know one language (Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian), you can understand the other two to some degree.
8. Romanian
Romanian is a difficult language to learn for non-native English speakers because it has a different alphabet and grammar than English. This can make it hard to understand written Romanian material, even if you are familiar with the alphabet.
However, the spoken population is smaller than other languages in this list, making it a less popular choice for learners who want to learn a more challenging language.
Romanian is a member of the Balkan Romance language. This language is positioned in a further location from English and other West Germanic members of the language tree.
9. Japanese
Japanese is a difficult language to learn for non-native English speakers because it has a different alphabet and grammar than English. This can make it hard to understand written Japanese material, even if you are familiar with the alphabet.
However, the spoken population is smaller than other languages in this list, making it a less popular choice for learners who want to learn a more challenging language.
The Japanese language is universally considered one of the hardest languages to learn.
So, Enjoy your language journey, and don’t forget to continue learning.
Dutch, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Romanian, Japanese, Arabic, and Mandarin.
It’s hard for non-native speakers to learn English because of its complexity. English has a complicated spelling system that might be tricky for non-speakers.
Language difficulty ranking for non English speakers
Ranking the difficulty of languages for non-English speakers can be subjective and dependent on individual factors such as prior language exposure and cultural familiarity.
However, some commonly cited difficult languages for non-English speakers include Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese due to their complex writing systems and tonal inflections.
On the other hand, languages such as Spanish and French may be considered easier for non-English speakers due to their closer linguistic and cultural ties to English. Ultimately, learning a new language requires dedication, practice, and exposure to the language and culture.
Top 50 hardest languages to learn for non English speakers
Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when it is vastly different from your native language. Based on research, the top 50 hardest languages to learn for non-English speakers include languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean.
These languages have a complex writing system, and often require mastery of tonal pronunciation, which makes it difficult for non-native speakers to communicate effectively.
In addition, some languages have grammar rules that are completely different from English, which can be confusing and challenging to learn. To overcome these obstacles, it is important to have a strong motivation and dedication to learning the language, as well as access to quality resources and language tutors.
Following is a list of 50 difficult languages to learn, ranked for the year 2021.
Tagalog, Navajo, Norwegian, Persian, Indonesian, Dutch, Slovenian, Afrikaans, Danish, Basque, Welsh, Urdu, Hebrew, Korean, Sanskrit, Croatian, Hungarian, Scottish, Japanese, Albanian, Icelandic, Thai, Vietnamese, Arabic, Chinese, Polish, Finish, Mandarin, Austronesian, Hindi, Amharic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bengali, Czech, Esperanto, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Lithuania, Macedonian, Malayalam, Malaysian, Mongolian, Nepali, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and Swahili.
What is the easiest language to learn for non English speakers?
Determining the easiest language to learn for non-English speakers depends on various factors such as the learner’s native language, motivation, and learning style. However, some languages are considered easier to learn than others based on their grammar rules, pronunciation, and similarity to English.
Spanish, for example, shares many cognates and grammatical structures with English, making it easier to learn for English speakers. French and Italian also have similarities to English and offer a range of resources for learners.
Additionally, languages such as Dutch, Swedish, and Norwegian have simpler grammar rules and straightforward pronunciation, making them accessible to non-English speakers. Ultimately, the easiest language to learn for non-English speakers will depend on individual circumstances and preferences.
Is English hard to learn for non English speakers?
English is easy to learn, yet it can be a challenge to learn for non-English speakers, but it is not insurmountable. With effort and dedication, it is possible to learn English and become proficient in the language. Here are some tips that can help you:
1. Identify your learning style and find ways to cater to it. Different people prefer different methods of learning, so try different approaches until you find one that works for you.
2. Listen to native English speakers and practice speaking with them whenever possible – this will help develop your intuition on how the language works and sounds like when used naturally.
3. Develop good study habits by making realistic goals and tracking your progress as you move through lessons and material. Make sure to review what you have learned regularly!
Hardest language to learn in the world for non English speakers
Let us answer this question:
Determining the hardest language to learn in the world for non-English speakers is a subjective matter, as it depends on several factors such as the learner’s native language, their level of exposure to the language, and the availability of resources to learn the language.
However, some languages are considered challenging due to their complex grammar, writing system, and pronunciation.
For instance, languages like Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese are often cited as being difficult to learn due to their use of characters, tones, and complex grammar rules. Additionally, languages with a completely different alphabet, like Russian or Korean, can also present a significant challenge for non-English speakers.
Ultimately, the level of difficulty in learning a language depends on the learner’s motivation, dedication, and learning style.
Most difficult languages for Italian speakers
Italian speakers may find certain languages more difficult to learn due to differences in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. For example, languages with tonal systems such as Mandarin Chinese or Thai may be challenging for Italian speakers who are not accustomed to distinguishing between different tones. However, is Italian easy to learn for English speakers?
Arabic, with its complex writing system and grammar, may also pose difficulties for Italian speakers. Additionally, languages with vastly different word order, such as Japanese or Turkish, may require more time and effort to master.
However, with dedication and practice, Italian speakers can overcome these challenges and become proficient in any language they choose to learn.
FAQs:
1. What is the easiest language to learn as a non English speaker?
The easiest language to learn as a non-English speaker really depends on your native language and the language you want to learn. However, some of the languages that are considered relatively easy to learn include Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.
These languages share many similarities with English in terms of vocabulary and grammar, and they also have a large number of resources available for learners.
Additionally, they are widely spoken around the world, which can make it easier to find opportunities to practice speaking and listening.
Ultimately, the best language to learn is the one that you are most interested in and motivated to learn, as this will make the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
2. What’s the hardest language to learn for non English speakers ?
- Mandarin Chinese is considered the hardest language to learn for non-English speakers.
- The tonal nature of the language makes it difficult to distinguish between similar sounding words.
- The complex writing system with thousands of characters is a challenge to master.
- The grammar structure and sentence order is vastly different from English and other European languages.
3. What is the hardest language to learn for foreigners?
- Mandarin Chinese is considered one of the hardest languages to learn for foreigners due to its complex writing system and tonal pronunciation.
- Arabic is also notoriously difficult for its complex grammar and pronunciation.
- Japanese has a complex writing system and unique grammar structure, making it challenging for non-native speakers.
- Hungarian is known for its complex grammar, with 35 cases and a difficult system of verb conjugation.
4. Is Arabic hard to learn for English speakers?
Arabic can be a challenging language for English speakers to learn, but it is definitely possible with dedication and practice. Here are a few reasons why Arabic may be considered difficult:
1. Arabic uses a different script than English, which means you’ll need to learn a new writing system.
2. Arabic has a complex grammar system that includes gender, case, and verb conjugations.
3. Arabic has a different sound system than English, with some sounds that may be difficult for English speakers to produce.
However, there are also many resources available for learning Arabic, including online courses, textbooks, and language exchange programs. With consistent practice and a willingness to learn, it is possible to become proficient in Arabic.
Arabic is the queen of poetic languages, the 6th official language of the UN and second on our list of toughest languages to learn. It is extremely popular in the Middle East and Africa with over 300 million speakers. 2
5. What is the top 5 hardest language to learn?
Determining the top 5 hardest languages to learn can be subjective and vary based on a person’s native language and familiarity with other languages. However, here are five languages that are often considered challenging to learn:
1. Mandarin Chinese: This language has a complex writing system and tonal pronunciation.
2. Arabic: The writing system is vastly different from English, and the pronunciation can be difficult for non-native speakers.
3. Japanese: The writing system includes three different scripts, and the grammar structure is vastly different from English.
4. Hungarian: The grammar and vocabulary are unique and complex, making it challenging for non-native speakers.
5. Russian: is Russian easy to learn for English speakers? The Cyrillic alphabet and complex grammar make it a difficult language to learn for English speakers.
6. What is the easiest language to learn for non English speaker?
- Spanish is considered one of the easiest languages to learn for non-English speakers due to its similarity in vocabulary and grammar.
- French is also considered relatively easy to learn due to its shared Latin roots with English.
- Portuguese is another language that is often cited as easy to learn for non-English speakers due to its straightforward grammar and pronunciation.
- Italian is also considered an easy language to learn due to its simple grammar and phonetic spelling.
7. What is the hardest language to learn for Arabic speakers?
- Mandarin Chinese is considered the hardest language for Arabic speakers to learn.
- The tonal nature of Mandarin is a challenge for Arabic speakers who are not used to distinguishing between tones.
- The complex writing system of Mandarin, with thousands of characters, can be overwhelming for Arabic speakers who are used to a simpler alphabet.
- The lack of similarities between Mandarin and Arabic in terms of grammar and vocabulary make it a difficult language to learn for Arabic speakers.
8. What is the most difficult language to learn for non English speakers?
- Mandarin Chinese is considered the most difficult language to learn for non-English speakers.
- The language has over 50,000 characters and a complex writing system.
- Mandarin Chinese has four tones, which can change the meaning of a word completely.
- The grammar structure of Mandarin Chinese is vastly different from English, making it challenging to understand and speak fluently.
9. What is the hardest language to learn if you don’t speak English?
If you don’t speak English, the hardest language to learn would be Spanish. Spanish is a Romance language that is spoken in many parts of the world. It is also one of the most difficult languages to learn because it has many sounds and grammar rules that are different from English.
10. What are the easiest languages to learn for non-English speakers?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the easiest languages to learn will vary depending on your level of fluency in a foreign language and your goals for learning that language. However, some of the most commonly recommended languages for non-English speakers include Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese.
11. Is it possible to become fluent in a hard language if you’re not a native speaker of that particular country’s spoken language?
Yes, it is possible to become fluent in a hard language if you’re not a native speaker of that particular country’s spoken language. There are many resources available online that can help you learn the language faster and more effectively.
12. What is the hardest language to learn for non English speakers?
The hardest language to learn for non-English speakers really depends on their native language and the language they are trying to learn. However, based on research and studies, some of the languages that are considered the most difficult for non-English speakers include Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean.
These languages have complex writing systems, unique grammar rules, and require a lot of memorization. Additionally, they may have tones or sounds that are not present in English, which can make pronunciation difficult. However, with dedication, practice, and patience, anyone can learn any language they set their mind to.
13. What are the hardest languages to learn?
- Mandarin Chinese, due to its complex writing system and tonal pronunciation.
- Arabic, which has a completely different alphabet and grammar structure than most Western languages.
- Japanese, which has three writing systems and a complex honorific system.
- Hungarian, which has a unique grammar structure and many cases for nouns and pronouns.
In conclusion, learning a new language can be a challenging but rewarding experience for non-English speakers. However, some languages are notoriously difficult to learn due to their complex grammar rules, unique writing systems, and unfamiliar sounds. Whether it’s Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, or Hungarian, mastering a difficult language requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to embrace new cultural perspectives.
Despite the challenges, the benefits of learning English in particular or any new language in general are numerous, including improved cognitive function, expanded career opportunities, and a deeper understanding of different cultures. With the right approach and resources, anyone can overcome the obstacles and become proficient in even the hardest languages to learn.
References:
- James, R. (2023). What is the Hardest Language to Learn? Life Science Translation.
- Gitali. (2022, November 16). 10 Most Difficult Languages in the World! | Leverage Edu. Leverage Edu.