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The 10 Best Languages to Learn in 2024 (and where to learn them)

Learning a new language can enhance your travel experiences, connect you with locals, and open up opportunities for…
The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

Learning a new language can enhance your travel experiences, connect you with locals, and open up opportunities for work and studying abroad. Choosing the best language to learn in 2024 requires careful consideration and effort.

Learning a second or even a third language brings many benefits. It helps the brain grow and improves memory, decision-making, and self-control. Being bilingual makes it easier for travelers to immerse themselves in foreign countries where the language is spoken. With so many advantages, the question remains: How do you decide which language to learn?

Keep reading to discover the top languages to learn in 2024!


1. Chines

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 88 weeks (2200 class hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 1.3 billion

📍 Popular places to learn Chinese include China, Taiwan, and Singapore

Chinese is spoken by 1.3 billion people worldwide, making it essential to consider learning. Despite its vernacular variations, Chinese shares a common writing system. This means learning one dialect allows you to communicate in writing with speakers of other dialects.

Learning Chinese is quite difficult, so finding a good program that offers plenty of practice opportunities is important. As Chinese become more crucial in business, putting effort into learning the language is highly valuable.

Mandarin, a Chinese dialect and China’s official language is the preferred choice for Chinese learners. Mastering Mandarin allows you to communicate with millions globally, especially in China’s large and expanding economy. Knowing Mandarin opens doors for business and travel. Although challenging, mastering its numerous unique characters can be intellectually stimulating.


2. Spanish

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 30 weeks (600-750 class hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 595 million total speakers

📍 Popular places to learn Spanish include: Costa Rica, Spain, and Mexico

Spanish consistently ranks high in global language standings for compelling reasons. With 477 million native speakers and over 550 million speakers worldwide, it holds official status in more than 20 countries. Additionally, it is a prominent second language in the United States, spoken at home by approximately 13% of the population.

You can easily find plenty of extra Spanish learning resources online, even if you’re not attending in-person classes. Platforms like Netflix offer hundreds of Spanish-language shows, such as the popular series Money Heist, which can help you improve your understanding. Begin by watching with English subtitles, and as you get better, try watching without them. This approach will boost your skills over time.


3. Korean

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 88 weeks (2200 class hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 80.7 million total speakers

📍 Popular places to learn Korean include South Korea

Korean is the 18th most popular language globally, spoken by over 75 million people. It’s gaining importance due to Korea’s strong influence in politics and culture worldwide.

Learning Korean is considered easier and more logical compared to Chinese. The Korean alphabet, Hangul, consists of just 24 letters designed to match pronunciation, making writing simpler.

In addition to its cultural impact through K-pop and Korean entertainment, South Korea hosts some of the world’s largest companies. Knowing Korean basics can be beneficial for career growth and opportunities abroad.


4. French

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (575-600 hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 320 million total speakers

📍 Popular places to learn French include: France, Canada, and Switzerland

French is the second-most widely learned foreign language after English, and it’s easy to see why. It is the official language of 29 countries, including France and Canada, so whether you visit Tunisia, Senegal, or Switzerland, you’ll likely be able to communicate with locals.

With over 300 million French speakers worldwide, French is taught in every country. It’s also considered one of the easier languages to learn, and abundant French content is available for practice.

French is a Romance language related to Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. If you want to become a polyglot, learning French can make it easier to learn these other languages, or it may be easier to pick up if you already speak one.


5. German

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 36 weeks (900 class hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 75.76 million native speakers

📍 Popular places to learn German include: Germany and Austria

English speakers might find German somewhat familiar since both languages belong to the same language family. German is spoken in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, making it a great choice for those who appreciate strict grammar rules.

Historically, German was known as “the language of science” until English took over after World War I. Despite this, German still has a rich scientific and academic literature history, making it a valuable language for those interested in these fields.

German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union, offering endless travel opportunities. It is also a useful language for business, as Germany has the fourth-largest economy in the world and is the third-largest exporter. Many of history’s greatest artists and thinkers were German; today, it remains a leading language in science, art, philosophy, and literature.


6. Japanese

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 88 weeks (2200 class hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 125 million native speakers

📍 Popular places to learn Japanese include: Japan

Japanese is primarily spoken in Japan, but there are many compelling reasons to learn it. First, the challenge is significant. With three writing systems, complex grammar, and few related languages, Japanese is one of the most difficult languages to learn.

However, the effort is worthwhile. Japan’s rich and unique history makes it a popular travel destination. Plus, learning Japanese can be fun if you enjoy watching anime and using it as practice.

Japan has the third-largest economy in the world and is home to some of the most innovative companies. Japanese is also the third most spoken language on the Internet, making it essential for business communication globally. With the shift towards a more virtual business environment, knowing one of the main languages of the Internet will give you a distinct advantage.


7. Italian

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 23-24 weeks (575-600 hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 63 million

📍 Popular places to learn Italian include: Italy and Switzerland

Italian is a great choice for English speakers looking to expand their language skills, as both languages share Latin roots, leading to many similarities in words and sounds. Interestingly, Italian is now the fastest-growing language in US high school and college enrollment, surpassing Spanish and German. However, the number of US households speaking Italian has decreased since 2000.

Italy, one of the world’s leading economies, is home to the most cultural heritage sites globally, making it a prime travel destination with numerous professional and cultural opportunities. Learning Italian will enrich your experience in Italy, allowing for more meaningful and authentic interactions.


8. Portuguese

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 23-24 weeks (575-600 hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 260 million

📍 Popular places to learn Portuguese include: Brazil and Portugal

Portuguese, spoken by 200 million native speakers and nearly 270 million people worldwide, is the fifth most natively spoken language globally. Its reach extends beyond Brazil and Portugal to several African countries, including Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde. Portuguese is the official language of 10 countries across South America, Africa, and Europe.

Learning Portuguese is also a fantastic choice for art enthusiasts. Brazil is the birthplace of many musical genres, such as bossa nova, samba, and funk carioca. Additionally, Portuguese is the language of renowned writers like Paulo Coelho and José Saramago.


9. Hindi

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 44 weeks (1100 class hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 585.5 million

📍 Popular places to learn Hindi include: India, Singapore, and Nepal

Did you know that Hindi is the third most spoken language in the world? Learning Hindi can benefit your career, especially if you’re interested in international business. It also helps you connect with Hindi-speaking communities around the globe.

Learning Hindi might be easier than you think if you already speak English. Words like “bungalow,” “jungle,” and “shampoo” all come from Hindi.


10. Arabic

The 10 Best Languages To Learn In 2024 (And Where To Learn Them)

🕐 Approximate time to learn: 88 weeks (2200 class hours)

🗣️ Number of speakers: 375.4 million

📍 Popular places to learn Hindi include: Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco

Arabic is a beautiful language that can be challenging for English speakers. This is partly because it varies significantly by region. For example, an Arabic speaker from Lebanon might not understand someone from Algeria.

Most programs teach Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), a standardized version of the language taught in schools across the Arab world. MSA will help you communicate with Arabic speakers from almost any country. It’s used in many governments, businesses, and journalism worldwide.

If you’re interested in a specific Arabic-speaking country, you can learn the local dialect to help with daily life and making friends. Popular dialects include Egyptian, Levantine, and North African.

The United States considers Arabic a language of strategic importance. Its prevalence in international affairs means knowing Arabic can open up many lucrative job opportunities inside and outside the government.


Learn a new language in 2024

Ultimately, the best language to learn is the one that interests you the most. This interest will motivate you to study and practice, no matter the challenges. Whether you dream of closing business deals in Mandarin or making friends with locals in Egypt, your hard work will open up opportunities. So why not start learning a new language in 2024?


Conclusion

choosing to learn a new language in 2024 can open countless doors for travel, work, or personal growth. From Mandarin Chinese and French to Japanese and Arabic, each language offers unique benefits and opportunities. No matter which language you choose, plenty of resources are available to help you on your journey, from online courses and language apps to local classes and immersion programs. Start your language-learning adventure today and discover the possibilities that await you!


FAQs

Q1: Why is Mandarin Chinese a top language to learn?

Ans: Mandarin Chinese is a top language to learn due to China’s growing global economic influence, its significant role in international business, and the large number of native speakers worldwide.

Q2: What makes Spanish a valuable language to learn?

Ans: Spanish is valuable because it’s the second most spoken language globally by native speakers and is widely used in international business, diplomacy, and travel across various Spanish-speaking countries.

Q3: Why should I consider learning French?

Ans: French is a key language in international diplomacy, culture, and business. It is the official language of many international organizations and is spoken in several countries across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Q4: What are the benefits of learning German?

Ans: Learning German opens doors to opportunities in Europe’s largest economy. It is crucial for those interested in engineering, technology, and the arts, and it is widely spoken in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Q5: Why is Japanese on the list of top languages to learn?

Ans: Japan is important due to Japan’s influence in technology, gaming, and cultural sectors. Learning Japanese can benefit those interested in Japanese culture, business, and technology industries.

Q6: What makes Korean a good language to learn?

Ans: Korean is gaining popularity due to the global rise of Korean culture, including K-pop and Korean cinema. South Korea’s strong economy and technological advancements also make Korea a valuable language for business and cultural exchange.

Q7: Why is Portuguese a language worth learning?

Ans: Portuguese is spoken in Brazil, a growing economic power in South America, Portugal, and several other African countries. It’s a key language for business and cultural exploration in these regions.

Q8: What are the advantages of learning Arabic?

Ans: Arabic is important due to its use in many countries across the Middle East and North Africa. It is significant for business, diplomatic relations, and cultural studies in a region of growing geopolitical importance.

Q9: Why should Italian be considered for learning?

Ans: Italian is valuable for its cultural richness and influence in art, music, and cuisine. It’s also useful for business opportunities in Italy, a major fashion, design, and manufacturing player.

Q10: Are there any free resources for learning these languages?

Ans: Yes, many languages can be learned using free resources like Duolingo, Memrise, YouTube channels, and language exchange platforms such as Tandem or HelloTalk.

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