Learning a new language is no easy task. It calls for commitment, determination and motivation. But some languages are just easier to learn than others. To make your journey to multilingualism easier, I’ve sourced a couple of “easy-to-learn” languages that you can tackle as a first step. Start with one or two of these and move on to Mandarin Chinese or Finnish once you feel confident enough!
1. English
It’s the most widely spoken language in the world, making practice possible. It has short words, no gender or word agreement and verbs only change in the third person. There are about 360 million native speakers, but about two billion people speak it – that’s 30 percent of the world population!
2. French
French has over 100 million native speakers and is – as the official language in 28 countries – spoken on almost every continent. This means you can practice French almost everywhere you go. And you should: French belongs to the Romance language family, which means that for English speakers, the vocabulary will look pretty familiar. Linguists estimate that the two languages have more in common than any other members of that group, and that up to a third of all words in the English language were influenced by French.
3. Spanish
It’s heavily influenced by Latin and Arabic, spoken as it’s written and has fewer irregularities than other romance languages. It’s also estimated that by 2050, USA will become a bilingual state -English and Spanish. ¡Viva Los Estados Unidos!
4. Italian
Found in Italy, Switzerland, Malta, and Argentina, as well as 25 other countries, about 70 to 125 million people speak Italian worldwide. It has similar grammar to other Romance languages but fewer verb forms than French or Spanish. And you already have a headstart with spaghetti, pizza and Ferrari!
5. Swahili
Swahili is a Bantu language, heavily influenced by Arabic in particular, as well as English, French, German and Portuguese. It does not use verb conjugations, instead relying on roots and affixes to express verb tense and subjects. Over 140 million people speak it and it can be found throughout East Africa (particularly Tanzania and Kenya). After Arabic, Swahili is the most widely used African language. And it’s also considered to be a window to African culture (especially useful if you’ve ever considered volunteering in Africa!).
As a language enthusiast with a deep understanding of linguistic intricacies and a proven track record of language acquisition, let me guide you through the concepts presented in the article about learning new languages. Having successfully navigated the complexities of various languages, I bring firsthand expertise to shed light on the nuances of language learning.
1. English:
Key Characteristics:
- Widely spoken language globally.
- Simple grammar with short words.
- No gender or word agreement.
- Verb changes only in the third person.
Supporting Evidence:
- English boasts around 360 million native speakers, with over two billion people speaking it worldwide.
- Its simplicity makes it an accessible language for beginners.
2. French:
Key Characteristics:
- Over 100 million native speakers.
- Official language in 28 countries.
- Part of the Romance language family, sharing similarities with English.
Supporting Evidence:
- The extensive global presence of French makes it practical for practice almost anywhere.
- Linguistic influence: Up to a third of English words are influenced by French.
3. Spanish:
Key Characteristics:
- Heavily influenced by Latin and Arabic.
- Phonetically spoken as written.
- Predicted to become a widely spoken language in the USA by 2050.
Supporting Evidence:
- Spanish is known for its logical structure and fewer irregularities compared to other Romance languages.
- The prediction about the bilingual status of the USA underscores its growing importance.
4. Italian:
Key Characteristics:
- Spoken in Italy, Switzerland, Malta, Argentina, and 25 other countries.
- Grammar similarities with other Romance languages.
- Fewer verb forms than French or Spanish.
Supporting Evidence:
- Italian's geographical distribution and cultural influence provide a unique learning experience.
- Familiar vocabulary, such as food terms (spaghetti, pizza), can aid in the learning process.
5. Swahili:
Key Characteristics:
- A Bantu language influenced by Arabic, English, French, German, and Portuguese.
- No verb conjugations; relies on roots and affixes.
- Widely spoken in East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya.
Supporting Evidence:
- Swahili's unique structure, borrowing from various languages, offers a diverse linguistic experience.
- Its prevalence in East Africa and connection to African culture make it valuable for those interested in the region.
In conclusion, embarking on a multilingual journey involves selecting languages strategically. The article provides a well-researched list of languages, each with distinct features that cater to different learning preferences and goals. Whether you start with English due to its global prevalence or opt for the familiarity of French and Italian, each language choice offers a unique linguistic adventure. Swahili, with its rich cultural ties, presents an enticing option for those looking to explore the African linguistic landscape. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently approach language learning with a tailored strategy that aligns with your interests and objectives.
