Best Foreign Language to Learn

If you are a person who is fascinated by the magic of words, learning one or two languages is never enough as there exists an undiscovered world full of possibilities that you haven’t even unravelled! Though different in script, pronunciation, and writing, languages of the world have one thing in common, they have multifarious stories to discover. Moreover, with globalization and springing opportunities in terms of education and employment across the world, learning a new language has become a phenomenon. So, if you want to pursue a career in Foreign Langauge, want to develop a strong command over a particular dialect, or simply want to explore the “in-demand” languages, then here is a blog that lists down some of the best foreign languages to learn!

Why Learn Foreign Languages?

From Korean and Arabic to Italian and Chinese, there are scores of foreign languages to learn. Let us have a quick look at the reasons for pursuing such courses or programs. 

• With the world becoming more connected, learning a new language will make you better suited for the global environment.
• If learning German or Japanese is your passion, then you can convert it into a full-time opportunity. You can work as a language translator for publishing houses, an interpreter for foreign nationals, or a teacher/professor with academic institutions. 
• Scores of MNCs and IT companies, which are spread across the world take on board those who are adept in speaking a native language. 
• A person well versed in a foreign language can also work in the diplomatic service or as an immigration officer.
• Learning international languages will improve your cognitive thinking ability. 
• Last but not least, it helps in building connections across cultures. 

Mandarin

只要功夫深，铁杵磨成针。
(“If you work hard enough at it, you can even grind an iron rod to a needle,”)

As the oldest form of the Chinese language, Mandarin is one of the best foreign languages to learn. Not only limited to China, but it has a large number of speakers throughout the world, including Thailand, Taiwan, and Mongolia. Learning Mandarin will help you discover Chinese literature in-depth and will also nurture you professionally. However, it is advised to pursue long-term programs so that you develop a strong command of the language. You can also enrol in Mandarin classes!

Spanish

“La acción es la clave fundamental para todo éxito.’
(“Action is the foundational key to all success.”)

With its presence rooted in scores of countries of the world, Spanish is counted amongst the top 10 spoken languages and is one of the best foreign languages to learn. Also referred to as the “Language of Romance”, Spanish is inspired by the Latin script. Since it has a similar word syntax to English, it is a popular choice amongst English speakers. Additionally, with easy vowel pronunciations, Spanish is much easier to learn than other foreign languages.

German

“Aller Anfang ist schwer.”
(“All beginnings are hard.”)

German is the most spoken language in the European Union making it an ideal pick for all those wishing to learn a new foreign language. It opens a whole new world for its speakers with better educational options and employment possibilities. Belonging to the same family as English, learning German is an easy feat. 

French

“Bonjour, Mates!“
(Hello, mates!)

Another entry to our list of best languages to learn is French. Counted among the 5 languages of love, French has evolved over the years. It drips culture, has an undeniably beautiful accent, words are easy to understand, and promotes linguistic diversity. Moreover, it is also one of the 6 official languages of the United Nations. Thus, making it an excellent choice for those who want to establish a career in International Relations.

Japanese

“Wakarimasu“
わかります。
(I understand you.)

With a strong economy, scores of renowned MNCs, top academic institutions, and the land of technological innovations, Japan has become an ideal place to establish a career abroad. This has opened up a plethora of opportunities for both, students and professionals. So, if you are exploring the best languages to learn, Japanese can be the ideal choice. It can be a tad difficult to master the language, however, it paves the way for a well-established career in multifarious industries!

Russian

“До скорого!“
(See You Soon!)

Another entrant to our list of best languages to learn is Russian. Intriguing culture, copious career opportunities, diverse literature, and an important part of the world economy, learning Russian can open the door to numerous employment opportunities not only in the Asian continent but also across the world. Moreover, you can be a part of various international organisations that have Russian as one of their official language or different companies in the capacity of a translator, interpreter, consultant, Project Manager, Assessment Officer, etc.

Italian

“ride bene chi ride ultimo“
(Who laughs last laughs the best)

Endearingly referred to as the language of Romeo and Juliet, Italian should also be in your bucket list of best language to learn! It can be a little difficult than Spanish but is similar to English in terms of phonetic sounds and verb tenses. The best part of learning Italian is that you will get to know about the various non-verbal gestures used in Italy to convey different expressions!

Portuguese

“Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.”
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

If you want to build a good foundational knowledge to learn languages like Spanish and Italian, Portuguese is the right one to begin with. With Latin America gaining immense popularity in the world music and cultural scene, Portuguese has become a popular language to learn and can take you places afar! There are various language schools across Latin America and Europe which you can explore to find short-term courses or full-fledged degree programs in Portuguese!

Arabic

التكرار يعلّم الحمار. (it-tikraar yi3allim il-humaar.)
Practice makes perfect

Amongst the most challenging languages to learn, Arabic is a perfect one for those aiming to explore a historically rich language, with multifarious dialects and striking calligraphic forms of writing. If you are interested in knowing the origins of Hebrew, Phoenician and Aramaic, then Arabic is the best language to learn for you! Discover the history of Pyramids and immerse in the rich past of the Semitic languages which originated in the Arabian Peninsula!

Korean

반갑습니다 – Ban-gap-sum-ni-da
Nice to meet you!

As Korea has emerged as an economically and culturally prominent country, Korea features as another key mention in our list. The Korean Hangeul Alphabet can be easily learned in a basic manner and you can also gain a stronghold over the language in a simpler way as it has no gender nouns or intonations. Further, you can always practice your grasp of Korean through popular K-pop music and master this lovely language in a fun way!

Highest Paid Foreign Languages in Demand 2021 

Learning a foreign language often helps people gain profitable employment. Being multi-lingual is a professional skill that gives a boost to a professional’s and a student’s career, owing to which they/she/he can land jobs in different countries of the world.

English 

English is the largest language by the number of speakers and the third most spoken native language in the world. Proficiency in English is essential for personal as well as business purposes.

Native Speakers: 360 – 400 Million

Non-Native Speakers: 600 – 700 Million

Official Language in: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and over 55 countries

Unofficial Language in: UAE, Germany and over 40 countries

French

French is the second-most widely spoken language in Europe. It is also taught in schools of many countries across the globe. 

Native Speakers: 80 Million

Non-Native Speakers: 153 Million

Official Language in: France, Canada, Belgium, Ivory Coast, etc. 

Unofficial Language in: Algeria, Vietnam, Egypt, Arbania, etc. 

German 

The German language ranks as the most widely spoken native language in Europe. The language has its own potential advantages from finding new jobs to boosting your university career. 

Native Speakers: 110 Million

Non-Native Speakers: 52 Million

Official Language in: Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, etc

Unofficial Language in: Brazil, Namibia, Russia, Czech Republic, etc

Spanish

The Spanish language is a popular and favourite one to learn. You should definitely take this opportunity to learn and start speaking Spanish. 

Native Speakers: 470 Million

Non-Native Speakers: 100 Million

Official Language in: Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, etc

Unofficial Language in: USA 

Italian 

The Italian language is the fourth most studied language in US Colleges and high schools with a 20% growth in enrollment rate, growing faster than any other language. 

Native Speakers: 67 Million

Non-Native Speakers: 13.4 Million

Official Language in: Italy, Vatican City, Croatia, etc. 

Unofficial Language in: Belgium, France, Germany, etc. 

Arabic  

The Arabic Language ranks second among the highest-paid translation languages. Being the language of the biggest-oil rich country in the world, you can make more money by learning this language. 

Native Speakers: 310 Million

Non-Native Speakers: 270 Million

Official Language in: Modern Standard Arabic is an official language of 26 states and 1 disputed territory, the third most after English and French

Unofficial Language in: Pakistan, Senegal, South Sudan, etc

Job Opportunities After Learning Foreign Languages 

Below are some of the job profiles you can opt for after learning a foreign language: 

Become a Translator, Interpreter or Teacher

With your knowledge of a foreign language, you can work as a translator or interpreter for a company. Besides this, there are ample opportunities to become a freelancer as a language expert. Depending upon how experienced you are, you can also work for Media houses, tourist centres, sports clubs, etc. 

Work for Immigration/Custom Services

Language jobs in the embassy or government agencies such as immigration departments and customs service the area you can flourish handsomely with your knowledge. 

Jobs in MNC, KPO, BPO & IT

Jobs in MNC, KPO, BPO and IT involve speaking skills, collecting information, working documents in the corresponding language, voice-based employment, training and transaction. 

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism 

Attraction centres, shopping malls, and luxurious hotels & suites need workers that can communicate fluently with the thousands of visitors that patronize their businesses from time to time. 

How to Choose a Language to Study?

Choosing which language to pursue can be an intimidating task and a big decision since you are going to invest your time and money. Whatever you choose, make sure that you are enjoying the study process and that you truly invest yourself in studying. The following are the various aspects of a language you need to check before starting: 

• Number of speakers across the world
• Growth in the number of native speakers
• Consider the cost
• Check job prospects
• Identify your goals 
• Personal Preference
• Target Country
• Possible Immigration
• Sectors or Industries
• The economic power of countries that speak that language

Where to Learn a Language?

Following are the online resources to study foreign language: 

• Coursera
• Udemy
• John Academy
• Future Learn

Foreign Language Institutes in India 

In India, the following universities and institutions are offering foreign language courses at different levels: 

• Visva Bharati University
• Utkal University
• Lucknow University
• Madras University
• Mumbai University
• Hyderabad University
• Banaras Hindu University
• Calicut University
• Delhi University 
• Jawaharlal Nehru University

Government Jobs in Foreign Languages 

Government Organizations like Embassies of Foreign Countries and the Ministry of External Affairs offer job opportunities for candidates with foreign language graduation. Translation jobs are available for professionals with foreign language skills in the Department of Tourism of the Government of India and different state governments as well. For Teaching purposes, candidates must have completed their M.Phil or PhD in an appropriate foreign language. 

FAQs

Hence, when it comes to the best foreign languages to learn, there are scores of options to explore! Attaining world-class education from the best universities abroad is a dream of many and we have helped many in making their dream come true! Get study abroad guidance with a free 30-minute counselling session at 1800 572 000 and read about various options on Leverage Live and Leverage Edu.