What language is easiest to learn?
Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only does it open up opportunities to communicate with a wider range of people, but it can also improve cognitive abilities and help with personal growth. However, one of the most daunting aspects of learning a new language is figuring out which language to learn.
If you are an English speaker looking to learn a new language, you might be wondering which language is the easiest to learn. While there is no definitive answer to this question, various factors can make certain languages easier to learn than others. In this article, we will discuss some of the languages that are considered to be the easiest to learn for English speakers.
Comparison table
| Language | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Norwegian | Easy |
| Swedish | Easy |
| Spanish | Easy to Intermediate |
| Dutch | Easy to Intermediate |
| Portuguese | Easy to Intermediate |
| Indonesian | Easy to Intermediate |
| Italian | Easy to Intermediate |
| French | Intermediate |
FAQs
What makes a language easy to learn?
Several factors can contribute to a language being considered easy to learn. Firstly, the similarity between the target language and the learner’s native language can play a significant role. If the two languages share certain characteristics such as alphabet, sentence structure, or vocabulary, the learning process can be more accessible. Additionally, the complexity of the grammar and syntax of the language can also affect its ease of learning, with languages with simple grammar and syntax being considered easier to learn.
Why is Norwegian considered the easiest language to learn?
Out of the languages we have ranked, Norwegian is considered the easiest language to learn for English speakers. This may come as a surprise to some people, but there are a few reasons why Norwegian is considered an easy language to learn. Firstly, Norwegian shares many similarities with English, with both languages sharing a Germanic origin. Secondly, Norwegian has a relatively simple grammar and sentence structure, with most phrases and sentences being constructed in a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sequence. Finally, Norwegian has a phonetic system that is relatively easy to learn, with most letters resembling their English counterparts.
What is the difficulty level of French?
French is considered an intermediate level language to learn for English speakers. While French shares some similarities with English, such as a shared alphabet and common vocabulary, it also possesses a complex grammar system with multiple verb forms and tenses. Additionally, French pronunciation and phonetics can also pose a challenge for English speakers.
Is it easier to learn a language if you have prior knowledge of a related language?
Yes, it is generally easier to learn a language if you have prior knowledge of a related language. For example, if you already know Spanish, you might find it easier to learn Portuguese since the two languages share many similarities in grammar and vocabulary. Knowing a language also helps you understand the culture associated with it, and it can improve your learning experience and make the process smoother.
The verdict
All in all, there is no universally easiest language to learn, as it largely depends on individual factors such as prior knowledge, motivation, and time commitment. That said, our ranking of languages has highlighted some languages that are considered easy to learn for English speakers, such as Norwegian, Swedish, and Spanish. Ultimately, the best advice is to choose a language that interests you, set achievable goals and immerse yourself in it to gain the most out of your learning journey.
References
- BBC News – Which foreign language should you learn?
- The Guardian – Eight of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers
- Babbel – What are the easiest languages to learn?