Japanese, Arabic, or Russian? Which one should I consider majoring in?

Answer 1

What are the reasons you want to major in a language? What will you do with a degree in a language? Where will you find employment? How open is the field? What is the future in that field

My friend's daughter's is fluent in English, Japanese, and Spanish. She wanted to go into military intelligence and be assigned to an embassy overseas. She let the Service select the language for her; they picked Arabic because of her strong physical resemblance to Arab ethnic groups. The physical resemblance will allow the military to place her in countries where the Service has most in need of "intelligence."

Answer 2

Well, if you speak one already, I'd suggest that you stick with it. All 3 have their own, very unique writing. Japanese has 3 written languages. While Russian has very long words and some stranger letters.

Japanese is very easy to BEGIN learning, but it becomes harder when you have to learn to read/write...and really, you have to, because dictionaries and online translators can often mess up the meaning-and most japanese people struggle with Romaji (Japanese written in English letters). Japanese would be best if your classes are well managed. And the Japanese accent is a huge part of the language, soft shorter vowels and less jaw movement.

Russian is very dificult to learn to read. Mainly because it all seems so long. But it's rare, I'd say learn Russian if you're able...Russia is likely to influence the US more these days.

Arabic sounds as if it is sometimes nazalized...a trait that if you can't do it, you should avoid it.

Answer 3

Japanese

Answer 4

Russian would be the easiest. Japanese and Arabic are among the most difficult languages in the world for an English speaker to learn.

Answer 5

Which one do you most identify with, or for that matter which one of the cultures do you think you would want to be immersed in. Personally, I have taken Japanese and it is a great language to learn but I have always wanted to take Russian as well. Arabic is also an amazing language back by an amazing culture, I just never had the chance or major desire to study it. Follow your heart. :) Have fun with whatever you choose, best wishes.

Answer 6

Being as you're asking this question in the military section, I'll assume you're thinking about a military career. Actually, I'd say both Japanese and Arabic, given the current situation. My RIO and I just finished Farsi language instruction and it was a blast. Plus, depending on what branch you go into, chances are you'll be making a tour of duty in Japan. But, the military does have language schools that you can take advantage of.

Answer 7

Japanese or Arabic.

The former has an economic strength that's worth tapping into, while the latter has national security implications.

As for Russian... well, their population is set to decline and their role as a major power is decreasing by the minute.

Answer 8

I'd actually recommend Mandarin Chinese, but of the three listed, Arabic has a great deal of opportunity. Or you could do Japanese and try to be the first US Ambassador to Japan to speak Japanese in several decades.

Answer 9

I took an arabic course...it is very interesting and fun to learn. Also you could make a whole lot of money if you went into Arabic because the government needs translators for Arabic quite badly.

Answer 10

Over 167,000,000 People in the world Speak Russian. Moscow was just recognized as the most expensive city in the world. There is a lot of opportunities flowing from the Former Soviet Union. From a military view point we conduct more and more joint NATO training with Russia every year.