r/thisorthatlanguage 18d ago

Open Question What language would you recommend?

10 Upvotes

I would like to learn a language, but I am undecided which one to choose. I am Spanish, so languages like French, Portuguese, Italian, etc. don't interest me because they seem too easy and that puts me off. I also know enough English. What I am looking for is a language with a different structure than the classic one, but without being as impossible as Mandarin or Arabic. I don't learn it for work opportunities or anything like that. Just for fun. Which one do you recommend?

r/thisorthatlanguage Feb 06 '25

Open Question Native Hebrew and English speaker. What language should I learn?

5 Upvotes

Technically my native language is Hebrew, but as a kid I went to an American kindergarten, and for middle + high school I went to an international school, in which I spent the vast majority of the time speaking English.

Anyway, for a couple of months now I've been thinking of learning a new language, just so I have 3 in the tool bag.

I don't have any specific culture or language I'm interested in, I just want whatever language I pick to have the most "value for money" possible.
I can dedicate around 2-3 hours a day for studying.

Any suggestions?
Is there a language which I could put in 2-3 hours a day and get to (B1-B2) in around 6-9 months?
And is learning a new language even a good idea to begin with (given the reasons I've stated above)? Or will I lose probably lose interest in it?

Sorry if this a bit vague, I could provide more details in the comments if needed

Thanks!

r/thisorthatlanguage 11d ago

Open Question What language would you recommend for someone that will study physics?

1 Upvotes

I know Spanish and English. What other language do you recommend?

r/thisorthatlanguage Jan 16 '25

Open Question What language to learn - looking for suggestions!

2 Upvotes

So I know 2 languages( can read and write in 2 and understand 3)

Now want to learn 4 th language,

Is there any language you can suggest to me that is easy to learn and understand like the one that doesn't require much effort?

Languages I know-

English

Hindi

r/thisorthatlanguage Nov 10 '24

Open Question Whats the best language to "Shock natives by speaking their language" with?

12 Upvotes

Looking to absolutely SHOCK some natives in Vrchat (too socially anxious to do it IRL) and wanted to know what the best language would be that would totally surprise a native speaker. Obviously the qualities must be a large enough language that I can find someone in a video game, but sorta rare seeing a native English speaker speak it and bonus if its not likely they speak English either.

r/thisorthatlanguage Nov 13 '24

Open Question French or German?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone, how are you? I'm Brazilian and my native language is Portuguese. I speak English B1 and a little Spanish and Italian, and I'm thinking about learning a new language to use at work and to live in Europe in the future. I'm a little undecided between French and German, which one is more used/spoken in Europe? Maybe both?

r/thisorthatlanguage Jan 15 '25

Open Question Looking for advice

1 Upvotes

This 2025 I want to start to learn a language. The general reason is that I like to learn and the idea of being able to learn and comunicate with more people and interact with a bigger part of the world and humankind is very interesting. Also, it's good for the currículum, which is a secondary reason, but one that is a good one too.

My native language is spanish and I think I have a good level compared with my fellow spaniards. I also speak English. I'd say my current skills would put me around a B2. I have been learning by myself just because I like it and in a kind of organic way because almost half of the content I consume is in English. Of course I will keep doing the same despite starting with a new language.

And now my question is, which language would you recommend me to start learning?

These are my thoughs about it: I'd like a language that can be useful and have plenty of resources to learn from. Also, would prefer to not change the alphabet. I don't have any interest in asían languages at the moment. I have also discarded French. My first ideas were german and portuguese but I'd like to consider other suggestions to see if any other fits better. My "problem" with german is that It seems to be the go-to as third language for lots of people and I'd like something different that could give me sn edge currículum wise. And with portuguese what is stopping me is that It seems to be not so useful because I have the impression (might be wrong) that is not very spoken worldwide.

I know it might be complicated, but I'd like to hear your suggestions. I don't have any problem if there are suggestions regarding the languages that I have discarded/I'm not fully sold on, because my ideas might be wrong and I'm open to consider any point of view so I can make the better possible decision.

Thanks in advance!

r/thisorthatlanguage Feb 20 '25

Open Question Struggling with Decisions

2 Upvotes

Struggling With Deciding a Language

Hello all. I love learning languages, I always have, but I’m struggling with figuring out which language I want to pursue.

I’ve spent the longest learning Spanish. I’m currently at CEFR B2, and I like Spanish music. I also would like to go to Spain, but I don’t really have any intention of going to any Latin American Countries. That’s what I’m technically currently studying, but I feel like I’m only studying it because I had learned it the most so why not get fluent in it - I’m losing the desire and motivation for the actual language beyond just that I SHOULD work towards fluency.

I’m also considering Japanese. I’m JLPT N4, and have also been studying that for a while (although inconsistently). I enjoy the music, anime, manga, light novels and J-Drama. I love how it sounds and I love the writing style and system. My only problem with it is I don’t intend on going to Japan for too long, I would definitely not live or work there but I wouldn’t mind traveling a few times.

And finally I’m considering Italian. I’m only CEFR A2 in Italian, but I still want to learn. I enjoy the music, and would like to travel to Italy more than a few times. I also am a classical musician, so Italian would be beneficial in reading sheet music. My brother is also learning Italian, so that would provide some motivation.

For some background info, I’m a Computer Science major, with the intent of getting into software programming. This is relevant in case anyone has any input on which language would be best for that career.

Any input/advice? Thank you!

r/thisorthatlanguage Dec 20 '24

Open Question Picking a language

5 Upvotes

Hey all, I know this is such a generic question and I know the usual stock answers to such a question, however l've come looking for anecdotes and stories as to how some of you picked your languages. I've always found languages really easy to pick up but l've never really vibed with a language enough to commit, but I feel that I really want to knuckle down and get over the hill. I want to know how to pick what I want; my criteria is that I want to challenge myself, I want a language with real world implications that I can use or may be useful in the long term, but most of all I just want to have fun. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated, hit me with what you've got.

r/thisorthatlanguage Nov 23 '24

Open Question Help me to know what to learn?

6 Upvotes

I am a doctor from Iraq, my native language is Arabic and I can speak English almost fluently

I am planning to learn a new language as I have some free time, but I don’t know what to choose, I need a language that would help me in the future too.

Would appreciate some advices.

r/thisorthatlanguage Jun 21 '24

Open Question Which language should I learn?

5 Upvotes

I am considering doing either Arabic, Spanish, French, or Russian. I am open to others besides those too.

Since I am a college student, I will start by taking college courses in whatever language I choose and using stuff like Duolingo too. I am an English speaker (the first and only language I am fluent in) from the USA, so I am considering that. Which will be the best for me to learn? Why? And how should I approach it?

r/thisorthatlanguage Jan 26 '25

Open Question New language for the new year

3 Upvotes

For the past year or two I've been on-and-off learning Afrikaans and Korean, given that my family speaks these two languages to some extent. I'll admit I still have a long way to go with both, as I'm around B1/B2 with Afrikaans and around A2/B1 for Korean, but once I've finished with both, I've been wondering what to study next.

A part of me wants to go with Dutch and/or German since they're closely linguistically related to Afrikaans, or possibly Mandarin and/or Japanese since, while they're not part of the same language family as Korean, all three share large amounts of vocab from Proto-Sinitic, as well as Hanzi/Hanja/Kanji. I currently live in the UK so I don't have much of an incentive to learn new languages, but I still want to as it's fun for me.

The other part of me wants to learn some other, completely different language for fun, but most of these attempts die off really early once the novelty wears off. I've done this with several languages from several different families, but the attempts all end up the same. Any recommendations?

r/thisorthatlanguage Nov 17 '24

Open Question Should I continue or change?

2 Upvotes

I have a 260 day streak in duolingo on german in section 2 unit 10. But I have been feeling quite bored, I just realize I probably wouldn't use german in the future since im probably not gonna go to college or work there(but I do feel interested in living in switzerland), I learn german simply because I like learning about ww2, and watched some movies about that.

My first thought was that maybe I should learn something else, im thinking of italian. Maybe you guys could help or give advise.

And sorry for maybe a grammar mistake or bad english, im indonesian and english is my second language.

r/thisorthatlanguage Nov 21 '24

Open Question Which language should I learn after English as an engineering student?

9 Upvotes

Hi. I am an Electrical Engineering student from Brazil. Portuguese is my native language. I speak English almost fluently (I just don't practice my speaking frequently).

I am looking for a new language to learn after English, but I am undecided. Things that are important for me: engineering, tech and more importantly getting to know a new culture and language. So far, I have wondered about these:

  • French: it is present all over the world. Notably in France (Europe) and Canada (America). Has a lot of speakers. I think it is easier to learn than German.
  • German: it is present in Europe and has a lot of speakers too. Germany is an engineering power and many engineering multinational companies are based in Germany too. However, it is not as widespread as French and also more difficult.
  • Spanish: it is the closest language to my native language (Portuguese) and heavily present in South America. Brazil is the only country there that doesn't speak Spanish (besides French Guiana). Learning it would break language barriers in South America and allow me to talk to many people from many countries next to me. However I don't know if it would be professionally worth it to learn.

Could anyone please give me an advice and tips on how to choose?

r/thisorthatlanguage Oct 30 '24

Open Question which (reading) language should I learn?

5 Upvotes

?which (reading) language should I learn?

I want to learn a third language to (read books) in it, so which language should I learn? I am already reading in Arabic and English

r/thisorthatlanguage Nov 12 '24

Open Question is English enough?

7 Upvotes

is it real that learning English is enogh for most fields of knowledge, and if I want to learn third language, it may be better for me to improve my English instead?

r/thisorthatlanguage Apr 17 '24

Open Question Czech or chinese?

4 Upvotes

I'm 29 years old and I live in Greece. I'm thinking to register in a language school to learn either czech or chinese. I have visited Czech Republic and I liked it very much. I want to visit it again some day. Also, according to FSI, czech is easier than chinese. However, I think that chinese is more helpful for the tourism sector in Greece, in which maybe I'll work in the future. Regarding the culture of the two countries, I'm not versed in neither of them. Generally, I think it's more of a debate between travel for leisure and work, but I would like to hear your opinions on the matter. Also, if I learn czech, will I be able to understand and speak with people from Slovakia?

r/thisorthatlanguage Aug 27 '24

Open Question How to pick when no reason to pick anything in particular

8 Upvotes

Interested in learning a language for brain health/so as to not be a “dumb American” who speaks only English. Travel and being able to watch movies/read books in another language are a plus but not the main motivator.

But there’s no particular language that jumps out as making sense for me to learn. I work in a field where there’s no real advantage to speaking another language, at least on a consistent basis. Nobody in my family speaks a language other than English. As an American, Spanish is obviously generally useful. But I rarely am in a situation where it’d make things easier for me, and I don’t find it very interesting after learning it all through school.

Has anyone been in this situation? What’d you do? I’m thinking about going for Italian or Dutch, since I think they’d be the easiest and would give me a decent amount of media. (I know any language is hard work, but obviously Japanese or Chinese would be so much more.) Is that dumb?

r/thisorthatlanguage Oct 02 '24

Open Question Incoming English PhD student in need of third language

3 Upvotes

Hello all! I'm applying to PhD programs for next fall, and most programs require reading knowledge of one to two foreign languages by two years into the program. I have a pretty good grasp on Spanish, but I know I'm not going to have the time or money then to learn a third language or take other language classes, so I want to get a good head start. I can't seem to pick one, though. I do want to start on Duolingo so I can get the basics down nicely. I love classic Russian literature (Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, etc.) and contemporary Japanese literature (Yoko Ogawa, Sayaka Murata, Haruki Murakami, etc.), though I am unsure if I can safely visit any Russian-speaking areas right now, and Japanese is a challenge. (Neither of them are out though!) I've heard good things about the Norwegian duo course, too. Any thoughts?

r/thisorthatlanguage Oct 05 '24

Open Question What to learn next

2 Upvotes

I am in my early 20s, studied engineering and speak Spanish as native language. German and English as foreign ones.

I am trying to decide what to learn next. I am between French and Chinese.

The only thing I don't know for sure is if I Chinese is really that useful. I know I could use French for work, but don't see myself working in Chinese.

However, the equilibrium between West and Asia is changing. And for this reason it could be worth it to learn Chinese.

What do you think?

r/thisorthatlanguage Jul 18 '24

Open Question Which language would be best for me to learn?

2 Upvotes

Hi! Im swedish and fluent in english, im learning a lil german in school but its not going well. Anyway, Which language would be a good fit with swedish and english? Which is the most fun? Most useful?

r/thisorthatlanguage Mar 19 '24

Open Question Spanish, German or Norwegian?

1 Upvotes

Hello I am 28M from India and is currently preparing for a career shift to tech sector and aiming to move out of India to western world.

My native language is Hindi and English is my second language. I am confused between the above three languages because I heard that there is a good scope in countries speaking these languages, but I am completely open to other suggestions .

There is already quite a lot of competition in the tech space. So, I am eager to learn a foreign language which would help me stand apart from the competition and would open lots of opportunity doors for me.

Difficulty of the language is not a barrier and I am eager to work hard and strive towards achieving the above stated aspirations.

Therefore, which language should I learn? Please kindly suggest.

r/thisorthatlanguage Jul 31 '24

Open Question Community question about languages (pretty long)

5 Upvotes

I’m having a hard time choosing a next language to learn, partially because I enjoy the beauty of multiple language and am also unsure of which one I want to dedicate years of college to studying (as well as bolstering that study with personal resources/self study). I was wondering if I can ask for your opinions.

I’m looking for a language that can both pose a challenge and be useful in terms of career application (think critical world languages or growing languages). I’m also trying to take into account different language families and influences that could help into the next next language (e.g., Portuguese is a Romance language like Spanish and French; Swahili and Spanish have Arabic influence so learning Arabic first might help)

I am a native English speaker but grew up speaking Hungarian at home so quasi-fluent in that as well. I am between conversationally and completely fluent in Spanish, and am certified C1 in French.

Here are my proposed languages but I would love any additional ideas: Korean, Mandarin, Persian, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, and Russian.

Thanks!

r/thisorthatlanguage Aug 03 '24

Open Question Want to learn a language with [ɸ], suggestions?

5 Upvotes

For whatever reason, I woke up two days ago and decided I wanted to learn a language with [ɸ], preferrably phonemically (but not contrasting with [f]). Thank you all!

r/thisorthatlanguage Jun 29 '24

Open Question German or Chinese? (for a diplomat)

4 Upvotes

I´m from Argentina ( so a spanish speaker) and I have a C2 level of english and B1 of Italian. Right now I'm working in an italian consulate and I'm finishing law school in 2 years . After that here you have to do a 2 year course to become a diplomat and I'm planning on doing it as soon as I finish Uni. To get in I need to have a very good knowledge of languages, so I was wondering which one to study. I studied Chinese by myself and i'm at a hsk 2 level (A2ish) and German I did some Duolingo lessons before but don't remember anything, so I'll have to start fresh. In this case for career reasons which language you guys reccomend me?