Learning a new language is an immense excitement and joy roller coaster. The charm of each language’s uniqueness can create magic. A journey to multilingualism can be a never-ending process with unending usefulness. It is essential to learn more than one language.
In the world of globalization, the demand for multilingual personalities is high. Learning new languages thrills people and creates fun and excitement. But every language is different, and so is its importance. So, not all languages can be helpful to learn.
Before deciding which ones to learn, always measure their practical applicability and use. Because of globalization, people are forced to learn different languages, fostering communication and trade among countries.
Learning languages is the need of the hour. Language is essential in every area, including collaboration, networking, transport, trade, and travel.
It seems difficult to select the best languages to learn from the more than 7000 existing ones. However, only 23 important ones relate to half the world’s population.
In Benjamin Lee Whorf’s words, ” Languages shape the way we think and determine what we can think about.”
Can we guess which language is the most important to learn in the present scenario?
You will learn the most useful languages through this guide.
What Makes the Most Useful Languages Special?
One must consider personal goals, objectives, and choices to become the most useful language. Given below are some of the factors that will end your worries and help you choose the most useful languages:
Number of Speakers
Before choosing the most important languages to learn, consider how many speakers speak them. The most commonly spoken language will be the most useful. Opting for the most widely used language will help you select one.
Some languages are not spoken but still have innumerable uses internationally. For example, many official languages of the U.N. are used politically for businesses and non-profit organizations.
You should also consider which second language people prefer globally. For instance, French is one of the most commonly chosen second languages due to the number of speakers.
Geographic Region
Secondly, you should consider the region where a language is spoken. You can choose the most important languages to learn based on their practicability and variability. European languages are in great demand.
It is essential to choose a language based on your aim and goal while measuring the geographic region. For instance, learning the most frequently used language in a particular area but not traveling there will be useless. So, choose according to the geographic region.
Versatility
Focus on the versatility of the language you choose to learn. Some of the most versatile languages are of the U.S., as they are used in almost all spheres. Similarly, Mandarin Chinese or French are used due to demand in professional areas like businesses, politics, and art.
Career
Language skills are in great demand in almost all career fields. Their usability depends on your field of career. For example, Spanish will benefit you if you work in education, law, medical, or customer service in countries like the U.S.
Similarly, Mandarin, Japanese, and German are beneficial for international business.
Determine the best languages to learn according to the job requirements. Look into the skills that a job requires and develop them. Become language proficient, and the job is yours.
Usability
Usability and Usefulness are two distinct terminologies. Usability means frequent use of a particular language. For instance, you might be a user of Mandarin Chinese, but when used only twice in industry conferences, it might not be helpful.
The number of speakers, location, and versatility also determine usability. The number of times you use a particular language will increase your chances of gaining proficiency.
The Most Important Languages to Learn
1. Spanish
Spanish is the heart and soul of a large number of total and native speakers across the globe. Most popular travel destinations like South and Central America are home to Spanish-speaking countries. Additionally, if you wish to love, travel, or work in the U.S., choose Spanish as the best language to learn.
Spanish is the second most widely spoken language, with 538 million users. It is also the official language of the U.N. Spanish helps do business with other countries and is one of the most important languages to learn for Americans.
2. German
Europe’s most commonly used language is German, as Germany is its most dominating economy. Are you planning to do business in Europe? If yes, then learn German. It is the easiest and one of the funniest languages to learn. With 132 million native speakers, it is the 13th most common first language worldwide.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Germany is the fifth top trading partner in the U.S. It is also helpful in academics and innovation, which helps users in creative thinking.
3. French
Popularly known as the “Love Language,” French has been an international language for centuries. Around 277 million speakers speak French, which is the 14th most common language. Learn this language if you wish to choose a career in non-profit or developmental areas.
It is helpful for historians across the globe in the field of academics.
4. English
With 1.5 billion users, English is considered one of the best and most important languages to learn. It is used in all sectors, from global business to tourism and travel, innovation to diplomacy, and economy to technology.
This language is widely spoken in all the leading economies, such as The US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. It is also the most important language on the internet, with most of the content produced in this language.
5. Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese ranks at the top of the list as one of the most important languages to learn. Even though it is one of the hardest languages to learn, it has around 1.3 billion speakers worldwide, making it the leader. It is the language spoken by the people of China. It is the most helpful language as China is the leader in globalization, which increases the demand of people who know Chinese for leading businesses.
Mandarin Chinese enhances communication across the globe as it is most often used. One of the six official languages of the U.N. is Chinese. Learning this language can brighten a person’s career, as China is the economic leader in the business world.
6. Russian
This language has influenced the people of Eastern European and European countries. With 258 million users, it is the 8th most commonly spoken language. It enhances communication worldwide and is helpful in various fields like politics, literature, and the economy.
It is one of the six official languages of the U.N.
7. Portuguese
With 264 million users, Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. Due to its increasing demand for travel, tourism, and globalization, Portuguese is one of the best languages to learn.
It is the vital language used in business, making it the ninth-largest economy. It has multiple professional uses. This language would benefit scientists and biologists as the Amazon rainforest is found in Brazil.
8. Japanese
Do you love Japan’s food, culture, and technology? If yes, then learn Japanese. Although it is not spoken outside Japan, it is still useful, with 126 million speakers worldwide who are in love with this country.
It is also the best language to learn as Japan is the hub of businesses that would benefit all those who wish to pursue a career in international business. It is the fourth top trading partner of the U.S. This country is known for innovation, so all innovative thinkers can learn this language to plan a career in creative industries.
9. Hindi
One of the most important languages to learn, with 637 million users worldwide, is Hindi. India is a great contributor to the world’s economy. It is the best language to learn, as Hindi is the most widely spoken in India.
10. Italian
Although it has limited speakers compared to other languages, learning is still meaningful. Italy is rich in art, culture, and history and has a rich heritage. It is also a common travel destination, making this language vital if you love its heritage and tourism. It will help you if you plan a trip to Italy.
11. Arabic
The Arabic language evolved among nomads and was popular among moving tribes. Nowadays, it is one of the official languages of the Arab League, comprising 22 countries like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and more. Around 332 million people speak it. It is the fourth-most widely spoken language in over 20 countries.
This language has immense scope in national security, International NGOs, journalism, and much more. Arabic speakers can also explore jobs in science, engineering, architecture, business, etc.
It paves the way for learning multiple dialects in the area of specialization.
12. Korean
It is one of the oldest languages in the world. Korean is one of the most exciting and fun languages to learn. With phonological characters and a unique writing system, it is the easiest language to learn. The shapes in this language resemble the shape of your mouth when you produce a sound.
It is helpful for businesses to learn this language.
13. Amharic
If you prefer career opportunities in business, then learn this language. It is the lingua franca of Ethiopia, with around 22 million native speakers. With the increase in the economy rate up to 8.1% from 2018 to 2021, it will become a manufacturing hub. For this reason, it is essential to learn this language.
14. Swedish
Swedish is one of the simplest languages to learn with familiar words from the English language. People with a solid English base can choose this as the best language to learn.
15. Norwegian
This language comprises simple grammar and words similar to the English language. As both languages belong to the Germanic family, they resemble a lot. It is the simplest and most enjoyable language to learn.
These were some of the best languages to learn.
Reasons to Learn A New Language
There are plenty of reasons as to why learn a new language, but the most common ones are mentioned below:
Make Extra Money
Learning a second language or more than one language can lead to earning extra bucks. It will help you to earn more and more. According to the Economist, learning Spanish will grant a 1.5% bonus, French will grant a 2.3% bonus, and German a 3.8% bonus.
Better Career Opportunities
In the world of globalization, the demand and scope of learning a new language will give you endless opportunities in your career. So, choose the best ones and be fluent in that. That’s all you need to rise.
Common Language FAQ
1. What is the Most Spoken Language in the world?
First Language
In the list of first language speakers, English ranks at 1.5 billion.
Second Language
Mandarin Chinese takes the lead as a second language, with around 1.120 billion users worldwide. With the official language in 59 countries, Arabic is also considered as the second language.
2. Which Language is Spoken in All Five Continents?
Besides English, French is the only language spoken on all five continents. With the spread of French colonials, there are both native and non-native speakers of French.
3. Which is the Most-used Language for Websites?
English covers the web content enormously (60.3%), and Russian comes after that. If you want to learn a second language, then Russian can be your choice. Less than half of the web content (8.6%) is only produced in Russian.
4. What are the Most in Demand Languages?
The demand for a language will vary according to the country or place. For example, Brazil is the increasing leader in the economy. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Therefore, it has become the most demanding language due to its leading tourism industry and the interest of foreign countries in setting up their businesses there.
The Most Spoken Languages in the World
| Language | Countries | Number of speakers |
|---|---|---|
| English | United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, several African countries | 1.5 billion |
| Mandarin Chinese | China, Singapore, Taiwan | 1.3 billion |
| Hindi | India, Nepal, Pakistan | 637.3 million |
| Spanish | Spain, Latin America | 538 million |
| French | France, Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, several African countries, Oceania, Antilles, South East Asia | 280 million |
| Arabic | North Africa, Middle East | 332 million |
| Russian | Russia, CEI | 258 million |
| Portuguese | Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinee Bissau | 264 million |
| German | Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg | 132 million |
| Japanese | Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Philippines | 126 million |
| Korean | South Korea, North Korea, Russia, Japan | 79 million |
| Italian | Italy, Albania, United States, Switzerland | 68 million |
Interesting Facts of Languages
| Fact | Language |
|---|---|
| Language for Career Advancement, Technology, and Diplomacy | English |
| Language of Love | French |
| Language of European Business | German |
| Language of Modern Technology, Innovation | Japanese |
| Language of Europe-Asia | Russian |
| Language of Leading Global Economy India | Hindi |
| Language of Islam | Arabic |
| Phonetic Language, Easy to Learn | Korean |
| Language of Arts, Culture, History, and Food | Italian |
| The Official Language of Brazil | Portuguese |
Conclusion
Are you planning to work in a different country? Are you choosing a career abroad or in international business? If yes, then you will need to learn the language of that particular region or area.
Learning a second language will open the door to innumerable career opportunities, including extra money and growth opportunities.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose amongst the best languages given above and steal the career opportunity.
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