Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Society

What Are the Best Languages to Learn in 2021?

What Are the Best Languages to Learn in 2021?, Transatlantic Today

Learning a foreign language is a dream to many people across the globe. For some, it is a means to capture wanderlust, and others a way to connect more deeply with friends, family, and cultures around the world. If you have ever dreamed of learning a second language, but are not sure where to start, read on for a list of some of the best languages to learn in 2021. 

This list below looks at language in terms of practicality, difficulty, and entertainment. With that said, the very best language to learn is the one that you are passionate about and willing to stick with. 

1. French 

 

To many, French is the language of love and sophistication. But French is also a historically important language, which is growing in importance across the globe. French will be a great language to learn, whether you are after culture, business, or just want something accessible for a native English speaker.

In terms of difficulty, French is one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn. According to the Foreign Language Institute (FSI), French is a Category I language, the group of languages that can be learned to fluency the quickest for an English speaker. Other languages in Category I include Danish, Dutch, and Spanish. 

In terms of practicality, French is the 4th most spoken language in the world with over 280 million speakers worldwide. Additionally, it is a prominent language in business and diplomacy used in the United Nations, European Union and more. 

French is also a common language in a wide array of popular culture and entertainment. For example, Netflix released a hit TV show Lupin in 2021. Meanwhile, some of the world’s most popular music is produced in French, like the electronic artist Stromae. France is also home to some of the most world-renowned art and fashion institutes in the world. 

2. Korean

 

Korean is becoming one of the world’s most popular languages, as South Korea’s mass media garners worldwide appeal. From K-Pop to K-Dramas, chances are you have already enjoyed some variety of media that was predominantly in Korean. 

Korean is considered a Category V language, the most difficult bracket of foreign languages according to FSI. It is in a group of languages that include Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese with no clear connection to the English language. Another factor that increases the difficulty for native English speakers is the unique writing system. However, the alphabet is quite easy and fun to learn! 

Korean is a very valuable language to learn if you are interested in diplomacy. South Korea and the United States are still in an active dispute with North Korea. Because the geopolitics of the region are so important, and given the relative difficulty of the language, the US government and military will always need proficient Korean speakers within their rank.

The entertainment industry of South Korea appears to only be exceeded by Hollywood. One South Korean TV show, Squid Game is to be reportedly worth $900 million to Netflix. In music, Boy band “BTS” consistently tops the US music charts. 

3. Spanish 

 

If you live in the United States, Spanish might be the single best language for you to learn. Not only is Spanish a global language, but it is also one of the most spoken languages within the States. Additionally, the language is a part of many different vibrant cultures from Europe to South America. 

In the US economy, native Spanish speakers are prominent in all levels from blue collar to white collar work. Teachers can benefit from learning Spanish, as reportedly 3.8 million students speak Spanish as their first language. 

Spanish, like French, is a Category I language as one of the easier languages for a native English speaker to learn. With a similar alphabet and common connections to Latin, Spanish is an accessible language to learn. What’s more, because of its prominence there is no shortage of learning materials. 

Finally, Spanish is fun! From Reggaeton in the music world, or movies and television produced in Spain, there is no shortage of entertainment that can be accessed as a fun learning aid. 

 

Conclusion

 

Consistency and immersion are the keys to learning a foreign language. The best language for you to learn, is one where you will stick to it. But the languages above have no shortage of exciting materials to learn from and can benefit your career. If you want to dive into the world of language learning, these languages might be a great jumping off point. 

You May Also Like

Europe

Ukrainian officials have spoken of establishing territorial defense units and partisan warfare, but they admit that these resources are insufficient to thwart a Russian...

Features

As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, it does so while featuring neo-nazi mercenaries from groups like the Wagner Group and others.

Society

New York (Transatlantic Today) – Is watching bestiality illegal? The topic of bestiality, defined as the act of a human engaging in sexual activity...

Features

The current circumstances involving Russian ambitions to acquire, in the eyes of the international community at least, or, at the very least, preserve as...