What is the best language for me to learn as a second language?

Question

I already speak english obviously

Answer 1

It depends what you want, really. Where do you live? Are you interested in any particular country or culture? Have you learnt any languages before and, if so, how did you find them?

My favourite language is German, but that's just me.

Answer 2

As others have already stated, it depends on what you want from a second language, is it for personal interest, or another reason?

Many native English speakers find German easy to speak, as the vocabulary is often similar, but the grammar can be quite complex for an English speaker.

Italian can be quite easy to learn, as a lot of the grammar can be directly translated, unlike French.

Spanish can be easy too, as the pronunciation is quite simple, and readily pronounced.

I speak French quite well, and have learnt a fair bit of German and Portuguese, just out of interest, and my love of languages.

However, since Latin is the basis for 'romance' languages, if you learn Latin, you have the basis to understand Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Romanian, to name but a few known languages.

I have just started learning Latin, and have found that I have understood Spanish speakers, even though I do not speak a word of Spanish. I have picked up (obviously!!!) Italian too, from Latin.

Whichever language you choose, even British Sign Language, feel content that you are able to communicate with other speakers, which is something that most people in this country are not interested in!

I wish you all the best!

Answer 3

In consideration of the current situation of the world and the future prospect, I think it would be beneficial for you to learn one of the following three languages or even all of them.

1.Chinese
Obviously, it has the largest population of the speakers.
Besides, China is now emerging as one of the big powers in the world.

2.Japanese
In any parts of the world nowadays, you are bound to see many Japanese around. They are particularly energetic forming any business chances at any part of the world.
So, it can be promising to be a speaker of Japanese.

3. Sing language
Nowadays, more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of sign languages. I hear there is a large need for the fluent sign language interpreters.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

I agree with Marco obviously (but only up to a point, eheh!)

.... Italian! Without any doubt, the most beautiful language the world has ever heard. And the most rewarding to learn, also from a cultural point of view.

Don't let yourself be put off by the fact that Italian isn't a global language like Spanish or English. Italian speakers have a global presence notwithstanding ... there are many thousands of Italians in London and all over the UK, not to mention America, Argentina, Australia ... And Italy is the greatest holiday destination too!

Spanish is easier though, and it's easier to find classes at all levels. And I will concede that it is also a beautiful language.

Ciao!

Answer 5

It mainly a personal choice. Last College I attended required a language course. I not sure of every college. Many have Spanish and French as main courses to choose. The college I was at did not have Sign Language, but, enough people expressed an interest that they hire in a person to teach a few semesters and it fulfilled the language requirement.
What you may do. Try to decide on a few things you want to do as a career and think, "Where may this job lead me in the world"? If, you want to work in Programming or Electronics you may want to learn Chinese. With the world economics as they are. Countries are doing more foreign trade. I read an article how people who spoke two or more languages where at more advantage of getting a job. Here in America I would suggest; Spanish/French as we are sided by countries that speak these languages. Once you learn a language, the concept will come more easy with the next language you want to learn. I have learned 5 languages (Including English and Sign). Really never thought I knew that many as I never use them much. At present I am trying to teach myself Polish, college has become too expensive just to learn.

Answer 6

To be completely honest with you, Spanish would be your best bet. There are so many situations where this will come in handy. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the United States and a lot of other parts of the world. I unfortunately made the mistake of learning Italian in High School. I love the language and the culture of Italy, being of Italian descent, but you just don't run into that many Italian speaking people everyday and in the workplace. I happen to work in retail in a very highly Spanish speaking populated area, and although some Italian words are very similar, it would be so helpful to be able really communicate with these customers. Proficiency in Spanish also looks very good on resumes and job applications. This is always helpful. The roots to Latin will be able to help you understand other words in English that you may not have seen before too. Spanish is probably the best choice. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Without a doubt its Spanish, its the second most commonly spoken language in the world and its the most likely destination for European holidays! Plus its very similar to Italian so could also help you there! Adios

Answer 8

Which one would you use more often? If the company that you work for has offices abroad then you should probably learn the language that they speak there (it will look really good and you will get trips abroad etc)

If you were good at languages at school you should do that one because you will have a foundation in it and you will be surprised at how much you remember

Good luck

Answer 9

i believe that you should choose the language that you are interested in
it will help you to be more easily to learn it

or choose some language that similiar to english
it will be more easily for you to learn too

also think about the populations of the nationalities around your area

if your area have lots of mexican or spanish, then spanish will be the best

if you want to know more chinese culture then it will be hard to learn the writing of chinese but i believe that you can handle with the pronunciation, if not, then i suggest not to learn it because the character of the words are totally different than english

you can learn japanese which maybe more easilier than chinese
because the pronunciation is easy and the character of the words are easy too

german and italian will help for your academic

so its really depends what you want to learn for the most reasons to learn

hope this helps

Answer 10

Spanish if you live in the US. You like jokes & riddles and so do Spanish speakers.
Chinese, Japanese or German if you plan to study engineering.
French if you live in Canada or want to read literature in the original language.
Arabic, Farsi or Poshto if you want to work for the US government.
Latin, Greek and Hebrew if you are interested in theology.

Note: Spanish is pronounced as it is written, French has too many vowels and German has too many consonants. Chinese and Japanese have characters that are difficult to learn although the language is not that hard if you do not have to read it. Arabic, Farsi and Poshto have a different alphabet too but easier than characters.

Here are some links to learn Spanish online FREE:
http://users.ipfw.edu/jehle/VERBLIST.HTM#H
http://www.studyspanish.com/tutorial.htm
http://www.donquijote.org/
http://byki.com/
.
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Answer 11

For everyday use, I would say Spanish. What appears to be the language of the future for many business people is Chinese; they are even starting to teach it in elementary schools in the Chicago area. Japanese is also a good one to acquire for business purposed.