how does one choose a foreign language course

There are several factors you should consider when choosing a foreign language as a homeschooled student: learning options, difficulty level, personal preference, and future goals in life. We will look at each of these factors and then examine some of the most commonly studied foreign languages. Factors to Consider

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How to choose which foreign language to learn?

When determining which foreign language to learn, traveling is a great way to narrow it down. In love with a certain place? Then learn the language from there!

Why study a foreign language?

Foreign language study offers a sense of the past: culturally and linguistically. The study of a foreign tongue improves the knowledge of one’s own language: English vocabulary skills increase.

How do you master a foreign language?

Some people are naturally good at mastering a foreign language. If you really enjoy a challenge and want to try something different, try Mandarin or Japanese—these languages that use a completely different alphabet. Languages like Spanish and French, while still challenging to learn, are likely more familiar to you. 6. Build off Your Foundation

How to become fluent in a foreign language?

To become fluent, you will have to immerse yourself in the language and begin to think in the language. You will also have to spend many hours listening to that language as it is spoken by others; therefore, it is helpful to choose a language that appeals to your ear.

How do I choose a foreign language to learn?

Things to Consider When Deciding Which Language to LearnIf it's easy to learn. Consider whether the language is similar to your indigenous language, in terms of its sound, structure and vocabulary. ... If it fascinates you. ... If it's a common language. ... If it's beneficial to my prospect. ... If I have good resources to learn it.

Which foreign language course is best?

The best foreign language to learn in 2019Spanish.French.3. Japanese.Italian.Mandarin.Portuguese.Arabic.Korean.More items...•

Which foreign language is most in demand?

The top 10 languages in higher demand for businessENGLISH. English is the lingua franca of business and academia. ... CHINESE. ... SPANISH. ... ARABIC. ... GERMAN. ... PORTUGUESE. ... RUSSIAN. ... FRENCH.More items...•

Which foreign language is in demand now?

The Spanish language has spread widely across Europe and the Americas, making it a number one language to learn in 2022, after Mandarin Chinese. With Spanish-speaking countries being among the leaders in the globalized economy, you should take this opportunity.

Which language earns the most money?

1. German. As we shared in the graph above, German is known to be the best language that will earn you the big bucks, earning you over 125,000 (Euros) in bonuses!

Which language is useful for job?

– Here are the top 10 best languages for your career: Mandarin Chinese. German. Portuguese. Japanese.

What language should I learn 2022?

Mandarin Chinese It has over one billion native speakers and lies on the top of the list of useful languages to learn in 2021 or 2022.

What is the hardest language to learn?

Mandarin Chinese1. Mandarin Chinese. Interestingly, the hardest language to learn is also the most widely spoken native language in the world. Mandarin Chinese is challenging for a number of reasons.

Which language should I learn first?

JavaScript JavaScript is a relevant and worthwhile language for beginners as it can be used in a wide range of applications, compatible with various other languages, and is relatively easier to learn.

Should I learn French or Spanish?

Spanish is simpler to pronounce and most English speakers will find it easier to learn speaking fluently Spanish than to learn speakinf fluently in French. In terms of vocabulary, French and English are very close due to their shared history.

Is German or French more useful?

It is also a lingua franca of Central and Eastern Europe. While German is a distinct third in the category, it is still the most widely spoken native language in Europe. If you have something to do with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, German would statistically be more helpful.

What will be the most spoken language in 2025?

Mandarin. Mandarin, or the Chinese language, is spoken by up to 1.2 billion people, including Cantonese and other Chinese dialects, mainly in China and other parts of the world where there are Chinese communities.

1. Identify Your Goals

Most people who are hunting for foreign language schools abroad share the same goal: to become fluent in another language. Fantastique! What are some of your other, more personal or professional goals, though? Perhaps you want to become more independent and responsible, and think stepping outside of your comfort zone will help.

2. Decide on a Program Type

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the types of foreign language schools and programs available.

3. Choose the Location

Now the fun part! Where in the world are you going to go? For certain languages, the options can be pretty limited...you wouldn’t go anywhere but Norway to learn Norwegian, right? For most languages, though, you will have tons of options on where to go and how long to stay.

4. Finalize the Deets: Duration and Cost

When it comes to learning a foreign language abroad, we have one piece of advice: stay for as LONG as you can. Trust us...not only are you sure to fall in love with your host country and never want to leave, but if you want to really learn a language, you have to give yourself time.

What is distinct culture?

For many people, distinct culture is just plain delightful. The language that you love is the one whose culture amazes you so much that you’re ready to dedicate most of your time to learning and spare no cost. To sum up, you should follow your passion for a language and explore your interests and aspirations.

Is learning a language easy?

All languages are not equal. Although none are simple, some are relatively the easiest languages to learn. In contrast, others require substantial time to achieve a higher competency level and get way harder. Learning a language takes time, and it is not something that happens in a few days or weeks.

Is it easy to learn a language?

Mastering a language is never easy, but the advantages associated with it make it a worthwhile endeavor. How to choose a language and the reasons behind it could be lying within you. Think about all the scenarios — your future career path, interest, and aspiration.

Is every language useful?

Every language is useful in some ways, but you can only pick what is feasible for you. The availability of supports like audio lessons, books, instructors, speakers, language school, and video tutorial plays a vital role in the pursuit of language learning.

Is there a connection between culture and language?

There is a profound connection between culture and language. Culture is the heart and soul of any language. It is nearly impossible to learn a new language properly without knowing the culture, customs, tradition, and history of the region from where it originated.

How to choose a language to learn?

These eight strategies will help you narrow down your options. 1. Make a List of Places You’d Like to Visit. The first thing you should do when you choose which language to learn is to make a list to see where your interests lie. Noting the places you’d like to visit can be a great motivator for learning a foreign language.

What are your goals with learning a foreign language?

On the other hand, if passing a class is most important to you, choose a language with similar structures to English.

How to get a more cultural experience?

While many foreign countries are used to English-speaking tourists, you can often get a more cultural experience by venturing off to non-touristy parts of the country, where the basics of the language are invaluable. 2. Decide Your Motive.

What are the most common foreign languages spoken in America?

Currently, the most useful foreign languages in America are English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Japanese.

Do you need to learn a foreign language to become an adult?

Which language you choose to learn could help your career as a young adult. The best part is you don’t have to master the language entirely. With a base knowledge, you can use it as needed and pick it back up when you’d be surprised how much you’ll ...

Is it good to study abroad?

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of your college experience. It’s also a great way to learn a new language first-hand. 5. Check Language Difficulty. Some people are naturally good at mastering a foreign language.

How to learn a language?

For this reason, here are some regional recommendations: 1 For languages spoken in the USA, you should learn English and/or Spanish. 2 For languages spoken in Europe, English is widely spoken in Western Europe in addition to French and German. In Eastern Europe, try Russian or try learning Slavic languages. 3 For languages spoken in Africa, French and English are your best options. 4 You may also choose to learn an Asian language. In East Asia, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Korean are best. In South Asia (India), Hindi would be the most useful. In the Middle East, Arabic is the most common.

Why is it important to choose an easy language?

In fact, when choosing which second language to learn, many people choose an “easy language” because they think they’ll get results fast: learners want to make progress quickly in a language, so an easy language is a good choice.

What are the most common languages spoken in the world?

The most spoken languages by native speakers include Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, Hindi and Bengali.

What is a logical language?

A logical language is one that follows rules and there aren’t many exceptions to these rules. These languages can be “natural” or “constructed.”. A “constructed language” means that someone or a group of people have created it.

What languages do you speak in the USA?

For languages spoken in the USA, you should learn English and/or Spanish. For languages spoken in Europe, English is widely spoken in Western Europe in addition to French and German. In Eastern Europe, try Russian or try learning Slavic languages.

What makes a language hard to learn?

There are many definitions of what makes a language a difficult language, but generally the hardest languages to learn also depend on your native language. For example, if your native language is English, languages that are linguistically “further away” from English and the Germanic language family are “harder.”.

What is an endangered language?

An “indigenous language” is one that was spoken in a place before that place got taken over by another group of people.

Why is English the easiest language to learn?

If English is your first language, certain languages will be easier to learn because they correlate more closely with our own grammar, characters, or vocabulary.

What are some linguistic preferences?

Linguistic preferences are as individual as are tastes in clothing, art, or music. Some prefer the smooth, lyric sound of French, whereas others prefer the more clipped, yet rich sounds of German or the trilled r ’s and staccato sounds of Spanish.

What is the most beautiful language?

French . French, the language of romance and culture, is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful spoken languages. During much of English history, the knowledge of French was considered a requirement for genteel society; therefore, French phrases are scattered throughout many English works.

What is Latin used for?

Long considered the language of scholarly pursuits, Latin forms the basis for many terms used in science, medicine, and legal matters. Difficulty Level: Relatively easy. Interests: Scientific, medical, or legal careers; ancient history: classical literature; general improvement of vocabulary and test scores.

Which is the most common language in the world?

These languages represent just a few of the many options available to you. There are a great many more. Mandarin Chinese, for instance, is the most common primary language in the world, though its characters and complexity make it difficult to learn.

Is ASL a second language?

American Sign Language. Many people overlook sign language when it comes to second language studies. In the past, American Sign Language (ASL) was not considered acceptable for fulfilling a foreign language requirement, in part because its very nature precludes it from having a body of literature.

Does fluency in Spanish increase your chances of getting hired?

However, though fluency in Spanish may increase your chances of getting hired, it does not necessarily mean a notable increase in pay. According to report by Forbes magazine, the average premium paid for bilingual Spanish-speakers is only 1.7%. 5. Difficulty Level: Relatively easy (roughly 600 hours) 6.

Why do you need to have a foreign language on your resume?

A foreign language or two looks great on your resume, and it’s no wonder that many language learners are seeking to enhance their employment prospects. Employers prize both the hard work and intellect required to learn a language, and value the opportunity to make the most of those skills to further their business.

Which language has the most native speakers?

The language with the biggest proportion of native speakers in the world, Mandarin Chinese is notorious in the anglophone world for its complexity and difficulty. Don’t let that put you off! Mandarin opens up China and the rest of Asia as a travel destination, and is spoken by one in six people in the world.

What language do you speak to order tapas?

If you fancy a language that’s related to Spanish, have a go at Italian, Portuguese or French. All are linguistically very similar and have numerous speakers around the world.

What is FluentU video?

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons. With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contexts —the way that native speakers actually use them.

Is Russian a second language?

Russian. Learning Russian means another new alphabet to pick up, but it’s still a very useful tongue. Even if Russia isn’t your desire d destination, much of ex-Soviet Eastern Europe still teaches Russian as a second language in schools, so mastering the language will open up a new part of the world.

Is Cervantes a popular language?

The language of Cervantes is an extremely popular one. If you went to school in the U.S., you probably sat through years of lessons on this—although perhaps you don’t remember a word! This popularity is one of the reasons why Spanish is such a great choice for a language which isn’t too impossible to pick up.

Is it easy to learn a foreign language?

Okay, this is somewhat flippant—we all know that no foreign language is easy to learn. However, it can be extra motivating if you can see quick progress, especially if this is your first time learning a foreign language.

What are the best ways to learn a language?

Learning a language in college can greatly improve your career opportunities. Options for language learning include majoring, minoring, electives, or studying abroad. Popular industries for language majors include foreign relations, tourism, and marketing. Half of U.S. college students studying a foreign language are taking Spanish.

How to immerse yourself in a foreign language?

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a foreign language is to study abroad and, if possible, participate in a homestay. Living with a host family forces you to communicate in your target language.

What are some examples of languages taught at the University of Michigan?

For example, the University of Michigan teaches more than 50 languages, including Bengali, Quechua, and Tibetan. Middlebury College in Vermont is well known for its foreign-language majors and immersive summer language programs, available in major world languages like Arabic, Italian, and Chinese.

What are some jobs that can be done with a second language?

Translator/interpreter. Travel agent. Numerous careers can benefit from your knowledge of a second language. For instance, you could work as a foreign correspondent for a news outlet, launch your own global business, work in international aid development, or take a job with the federal government.

Why is learning a language important?

According to scientific research, people who learn a language boast a better memory and stronger concentration and multitasking skills. Language learning can provide a sense of personal fulfillment as well. For many, studying other languages is a passion and challenge they genuinely enjoy.

What is a language major?

Declare a Language Major. Declaring a major in a foreign language designates that subject as your main area of study. When you graduate, you'll receive a BA in the language of your choice. Examples include a BA in Spanish, a BA in Japanese, and a BA in Hindi. Many students pair a foreign-language major with another major to earn ...

Why is it important to study a foreign language?

Studying a foreign language is also good for your brain: It engages your cognitive processes, thereby improving brain function.

Why are foreign language courses important?

Graduates often cite foreign language courses as some of the most valuable courses in college because of the communication skills developed in the process. International travel is made easier and more pleasant through knowing a foreign language.

How does studying a foreign language help you?

Foreign language study enhances listening skills and memory. One participates more effectively and responsibly in a multi-cultural world if one knows another language. Your marketable skills in the global economy are improved if you master another language.

Why is it important to learn a second language?

A second language improves your skills and grades in math and English and on the SAT and GRE. Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language. Foreign languages provide a competitive edge in career choices: one is able to communicate in a second language. Foreign language study enhances listening skills and memory.

What is the meaning of "educate" in foreign language?

Foreign language study is simply part of a very basic liberal education: to “educate” is to lead out, to lead out of confinement and narrowness and darkness. * Credit to Auburn University for compilation of reasons.

How do foreign languages affect the world?

Foreign languages expand one’s view of the world, liberalize one’s experiences, and make one more flexible and tolerant. Foreign languages expand one’s world view and limit the barriers between people: barriers cause distrust and fear. Foreign language study will completely chance your traveling experience. As immigration increases we need ...

Why do people study foreign languages?

Twenty-five Reasons to Study Foreign Languages. Foreign language study creates more positive attitudes and less prejudice toward people who are different. Studying a foreign language will improve your chances of getting a job. Studying a new culture helps you meet new and interesting people. Dealing with another culture enables people ...

Why is it important to study a new culture?

Studying a new culture helps you meet new and interesting people. Dealing with another culture enables people to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture. The study of foreign languages boots confidence.

How many languages does the Foreign Service Institute train?

The Foreign Service Institute trains diplomats in more than 80 different language and walking through the halls can feel like a whirlwind global tour. Classroom after classroom of students speaking French, German, Mandarin, Norwegian, Georgian, Portuguese, Korean, and countless other languages fill the air with a veritable United Nations of speech. ...

How many languages do diplomats speak?

Fluency in at least two foreign languages is required in order to reach the highest ranks and, in reality, most American diplomats speak three or more foreign languages with at least some proficiency. In fact, for lovers of language learning, one of the greatest benefits of a job in the U.S.

What is the ILR in the US Foreign Service?

This means simpler programs such as Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone just won’t cut it. The U.S. Foreign Service uses a scale known as the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR). The score diplomats are required to reach often depends on the language studied as well as the job you’ll be fulfilling. However, most of the time we must score ...

What is the Foreign Service Institute?

The U.S. Department of State runs its own mini-university for diplomats known as the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). Although subjects as wide ranging as management, public speaking, and consular services are trained there, the largest section is reserved for foreign language instruction. The Foreign Service Institute trains diplomats in more ...

Do diplomats have to speak English?

Although American diplomats are not required to speak any languages other than English upon joining the service, we are required to become fluent in at least one foreign language within the first five years. Fluency in at least two foreign languages is required in order to reach the highest ranks and, in reality, ...

Do diplomats have to pass an exam?

Unlike many studying a foreign language, diplomats have a very specific goal at the end of training; we must pass an exam before we can head on to our overseas assignment. While daily conversation skills will be important to our lives, the test requires a specific high level of ability in some very challenging subjects.

Does FSI prepare diplomats for the test?

FSI really does everything it can to not only prepare diplomats for the test , but also for daily life. Often students are given the chance to do an immersion trip to further boost their training. I’m hoping to head to Germany in the near future for a 24/7 week-long plunge into the language to fine tune my skills.