Which should I learn Hungarian or Turkish?

Question

I'm interested in both languages and both cultures...
I know a tiny amount of Turkish already..and understand some of it's grammar...

Which language is the most interesting and the best to learn?

Any resourses you can suggest for me?

Thank you?

Answer 1

For Turkey: Turkey is basically an Islamic country, so you may feel that closer to your heart. It is also a significant and decisive culture in the world and has a very long history.

On the other hand, Hungarian culture has many things come from Turkish peoples (words, food, lifestyle) because of the often shared history, so if you learn first about Hungary, it can be a starting point for your Turkish studies.

For Hungary: If you’re fed up with the Islamic stuff, Hungarian culture would mean a bit refreshment because of the differences. Hungarian language is also something very unique if you’ve been familiar only to Indo-European languages so far. Another great advantage is that I’ll be there for you to teach you! :)

Basically, it’s your choice. There is no better or worse option. Any culture can be interesting.

You can find many books about Hungary at the website of the national library (see the ones in English at the link below).
The second and third links are little appetizers, a glimpse of Hungarian culture.

Answer 2

There are much more speakers of the Turkish language - also in the European Union. I think, concerning chances in finding a job, Hungarian is a better choice. You know, there are many Turkish people, who live in e.g. Germany or other countries - they have advantages. But how many people in the E.U. (except in Hungary and parts of Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Austria) speaks Hungarian?
BIG disadvantage of the Hungarian language: It´s said to be very difficult (because it´s no Indo-European language and has a very difficult grammar). Turkish is (although also no Indo-European language far easier)
If I had to choose:
- For job, I´d rather learn Hungarian
- For private life, I´d rather learn Turkish

Answer 3

Learn Hungarian. I just spent three weeks in Hungary over Christmas with the Hungarian I learned 20 years ago and had a fantastic time. It's a beautiful country and the people are incredibly friendly. If you learn two words of Hungarian they will treat you like family :)

Answer 4

Wel i would say the best language to learn is Greek i hear that Greek is one of the best languages but one of the hardest ones aswel but as i am greek myself and you have asked this question il say learn your Turkish as you said you have already learnt a little now start working on it abit more, Good Luck x

Answer 5

www.ethnologue.org claims this about Turkish:

Spoken throughout Turkey as first or second language. Also spoken in Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Netherlands, Romania, Russia (Asia), Serbia and Montenegro, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Uzbekistan. Total number of speakers: 46,278,000 in Turkey (1987). Population total all countries: 50,625,794. (Also it lists 7 million speakers of Northern Azerbaijani and 24 million speakers of Southern Azerbaijani - Azeri and Turkish are highly mutually intelligible).

and this about Hungarian:

Spoken by 10,298,820 in Hungary. Also spoken in Australia, Austria, Canada, Israel, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, USA. Population total all countries: 13,611,600.

But of course neither of them are Indo-European languages so you'll have your hands full with either.

Turkish is great if you want to get your head around a completely different way of communicating... it's radically different from Indo-European languages. Plus, in reference to its sound, it's been described as the 'Italian of the Eastern Mediterranean'. So if you like your languages mellifluous...

As far as resources go, I can teach you relatively cheaply! :)

Answer 6

learn hungarian

Answer 7

Hello,

It depends on the language that entrigues you the most.

www.byki.com its a free software download

good luck

Answer 8

If you made the decision in studying to talk Chinese then you must now that the ideal alternative is a Course for Mandarin.

Answer 9

i think hungarian is more recognised, but the turks have a good history, why not learn both?

Answer 10

Well let me put it this way.
If you are hungry, learn hungarian

And if you are perky, learn turkish.

As far as culture goes, i guess turkey has a vivid and colorful history and culture and you would enjoy learning that.