15 Hardest Languages To Learn For English Speakers 

The irony is that Mandarin, one of the most difficult languages to learn, is also the most frequently spoken native language on the planet.

We rely fully on language to connect and comprehend each other, from ‘hello, how are you?’ to ‘bye, see you later,’ and learning a new one can open you up to new cultures and experiences.

There are thousands of languages, each with a different level of complexity, and our ability to communicate has allowed us to progress as cultures and civilizations.

Some languages are simple to learn, while others are difficult to comprehend.

This article highlights the 15 hardest languages to learn for English speakers. Carefully read through.

Is English considered to be one of the most difficult languages to master?

English is usually recognized as one of the hardest languages to learn. It is difficult for both learners and native speakers because of its inconsistent spelling and difficult grammar.

Which Languages Are The Most Difficult To Learn?

We are exposed to many various cultures and languages as adults. It might be irritating for most of us to be unable to interact with someone just because we do not speak the same language.

If you don’t know a second language, it might be difficult for parents who want to teach their children a new language.

Fortunately, in today’s society, there are numerous resources available for learning a new language. The difficult aspect is picking which one you want to focus on. Some are simpler than others, but learning a more difficult language can be incredibly rewarding for those who are up for the task!

READ ALSO: Is English Hard To Learn? Find Out Why You Think It’s Difficult

What is the most difficult language to learn outside of English?

The US Foreign Services Institute ranks Japanese as the hardest language for fluent English speakers to learn. The institution determines the difficulty of a language by the time it takes to study it: 23-24 weeks for the easiest and 88 weeks for the most difficult.

What Makes Learning A Language Difficult?

We need to go over what makes a language so tough to learn before we get into the specifics of the languages on our list.

The major determinant is how dissimilar it is to your native tongue. Any language that uses a non-Romanized script is already regarded as difficult to learn by English speakers.

When you combine it with a dearth of opportunities to communicate with native speakers of the language, you have an exceedingly difficult task ahead of you.

Finding efficient tools to study a given language can be difficult, depending on where you reside. Adults appear to be affected by a phenomenon that is unique to them. Children are more naturally able to acquire languages; the younger they are, the easier it is.

Conversely, adults nearly always reach a point where they can no longer achieve true achievement. Because people can’t get past this stage, this process is known as ‘fossilization.’

Even if they learn something new, they must return to their old habits and practices. As a result, learning a language as an adult is easily one of the most challenging activities a person can undertake. But it’s not impossible.

Why is it that some languages are more difficult to learn than others?

Learning a new language will always be difficult, but certain languages will be more difficult to master than others.

Learning difficulties with learning a new language and grammatical system are among the variables that cause these difficulty gaps.

There’s also the issue of exposure since someone who lives in a nation where that language is spoken exclusively will have an easier time learning it.

However, if you want to give your brain a good workout, one of the languages on our list can be a good fit for you.

Why Should You Learn A Difficult Language?

We live in a multilingual world, where relationships are more important than ever. The world is becoming increasingly globalized, and learning a second language can always give you an unfair advantage.

There are actual benefits to being bilingual:

• It can help you in your career
• Knowing more than one language can improve your memory and brain functions
• It can help increase your understanding of the languages you already speak

Learning a difficult language can drastically change your career. Living in an interconnected world means that more and more jobs are advertising positions where knowing more than one language is essential. 

As more companies trade internationally and create relationships with other nations, employees are often asked to travel for work, enhance these relationships, or be relocated abroad. 

Besides having more chances of landing a good job or advancing in your career, being bilingual can also give you an insight into other cultures. You will be more prepared and confident to travel the world and explore other people’s ways of living.

READ ALSO: Best Languages To Learn For Success In Your Study Abroad School 

15 Hardest Languages To Learn For English Speakers

Here are the hardest languages to learn for English speakers:

1. Arabic
2. Basque
3. Finnish
4. Hungarian
5. Japanese
6. Korean
7. Chinese
8. Navajo
9. Russian
10. Vietnamese
11. Mongolian
12. Thai
13. Icelandic
14. Polish
15. Greek
16. Tagalog

1. The Arabic language

According to the Foreign Service Institute, Arabic ranks first among the most difficult languages to master. There are various reasons why English speakers find it difficult to communicate in this Semitic language.

For one, Arabic utilizes a completely different script. The shape of a letter changes based on where it appears in the word. Dialects differ greatly from one location to the next. There are several dialects of Arabic. As a result, the Arabic you learn in Morocco may not have the same pronunciation as the Arabic spoken in Bahrain.

On the other hand, Arabic is widely spoken, is sacred to one of the world’s major religious groups, and provides an opportunity to learn a language that spans the globe.

Donovan has written extensively on why he believes Arabic is a simple language.

The Foreign Service Institute got it wrong about Arabic; it’s actually a very simple language to learn and master.

READ ALSO; Best Programs To Learn Spanish Online in 2024

2. Basque language

Basque is another language that is frequently regarded as one of the most difficult to learn.

This language isolate is the answer to many language learners’ question of what is the most difficult language to learn.

This one is frequently perplexing due to a large number of noun cases and an unfamiliar ergative-absolutized grammar structure.

Despite this, learning Basque is enjoyable and provides an opportunity to experience the world through new eyes.

3. The Finnish

Finnish is frequently regarded as one of the most difficult languages to learn for a variety of reasons. The grammar of Finland is reported to be infamously difficult.

The word order is perplexing to English speakers. Many Finns do not always observe these principles, making face-to-face communication even more challenging.

Once you get past the grammar, you’ll notice that the language has fewer letters than English and is written exactly as it is spoken.

4. Hungarian

Hungarian, like Finnish, is believed to be one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn.

Over a dozen situations, including one that isn’t seen in English, indicate that the language has perplexing norms. There are a lot of idioms in Hungarian that aren’t obvious when you’re learning it.

On the other hand, Hungarian is becoming a more popular language to study. If you learn it, you’ll have access to one of Europe’s most fascinating cultures.

5. The Japanese

If you choose this option, you’ll have to learn three different writing systems. The first big stumbling block for Japanese students is this.

Speaking Japanese, on the other hand, can be surprisingly simple. Japanese does not have tones, unlike many other Asian languages. English speakers are familiar with Japanese sounds.

If you are thinking about learning Japanese, start with the spoken language.

SEE ALSO: 20 Best Books To Learn Japanese Well

6. Korean

Korean is comparable to Japanese in many aspects, but it is also one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn.

Hangul, a syllabic writing system, is used. Even though Hangul is fairly simple, it appears to be challenging for English speakers. It is a syllabic system, not an alphabet or a pictograph system.

The word order, honorifics, and respect levels might be difficult for English speakers to grasp (see Donovan’s post on why it’s easy).

Because of its basic grammar and pronunciation, Korean is very easy to learn compared to many European languages.

7. Chinese (Mandarin)

Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language on the planet.

Despite its reputation for being difficult to learn for English speakers, millions of ex-pats speak, read, and write Chinese. Because of its tone and writing style, the Chinese have earned the reputation of being difficult.

There are four tones in Mandarin Chinese. If you use the wrong one, you’ll get a blank stare when you try to connect with a native speaker. The written version is just as severe. You’ll need to know roughly two thousand characters to read a newspaper.

However, the benefits can be enormous. China’s economy is one of the world’s fastest expanding. If you learn the language, you’ll be able to communicate with millions of people.

READ ALSO: 17 Best Online Chinese Classes For Beginners & Advance | 2024

8. Navajo

The Navajo language is so obscure that it was employed as a code to communicate information during World War II.

It is still very much alive today as a Native American language with a great culture (though endangered).

If you wish to make this one your own, keep in mind that it has a very unique perspective on life. Even the fundamentals are difficult for English speakers to grasp.

There are several sounds in English that have no equivalent. The length of words varies, and verbs serve as descriptors.

If you have ancestors who spoke this language or if you reside in the area, learning even a few words might help you reconnect with your roots and the region’s original inhabitants.

9. Russian

Although Russian is a simple language, many English speakers consider it is one of the most difficult.

The Cyrillic script is used to write Russian. Stress changes and grammatical errors challenge even natural speakers.

As a novice student, you’ll probably only be able to approximate some sounds. There are numerous exceptions to every rule.

Many Americans are unfamiliar with this language, which has a wide case system and uses consonant clusters (as do all Slavic languages).

At the same time, it is the ninth most widely spoken language on the planet. Russian is also a member of a larger family of languages.

You’ll find it easier to learn other Slavic languages, such as Bulgarian and Czech, once you’ve mastered it.

10. Vietnamese

Vietnamese is the official language of one of Asia’s fastest-growing countries. It has a lot in common with many of its neighbors in terms of difficulties.

You’ll need to master each tone and how it’s employed as a tonal language. Vietnamese people have a number of official partnerships.

To speak with anyone from a close family member to an elderly person you’ve just met, you’ll need to know which form to use. Using the incorrect form can make you appear disrespectful.

While it has a familiar alphabet, many of the letters have diacritical marks that indicate how they should be spoken. When you write it down, you’ll need to make sure they’re correct.

For an English speaker, learning Vietnamese can appear challenging. On the other hand, the pleasures of ordering delicious meals and touring this attractive, refined country can make it truly worthwhile.

11. Mongolian

Mongolian is a less well-known language with roughly 5 million native speakers spread over four countries. Mongolia’s national language is Khalkha (Halha), which is merely one of several Mongolian dialects.

Traditional Mongolian script is written from top to bottom in vertical columns from left to right, but the more modern Mongolian Cyrillic alphabet is written from left to right.

The tiny number of speakers and the challenges of learning a new alphabet and intonation system make this language difficult to learn.

However, after you’ve learned this language, you’ll be able to interact with natives you meet on your travels with ease.

12. Thai

Returning to Asian languages, the next language on our list is Thai. This is a hybrid language that incorporates elements of Lao, Sanskrit, and Old Khmer.

While numerous characters can represent the same consonant, Thai is a tonal language with five tones, which makes it particularly difficult to master.

The structure differs from English in that spaces, rather than words, mark the conclusion of clauses and phrases. Thailand, fortunately, has some of the most tourist-friendly cities in the world. So long as you remember the key phrases, you should be fine!

13. Icelandic

Even though Icelandic is not among the most difficult languages on this list, it is nonetheless quite difficult. That is why it is listed among the top ten most difficult languages to learn. It is not an isolated language, although it is spoken on a small island with a population of less than 4000,000. It gives this language a distinct edge.

Iceland was established in the ninth and tenth centuries, hence the language hasn’t altered much. Instead of adopting foreign terms for new notions, Icelandic people developed new words to give meaning to older ones.

14. Polish

The European Union’s sixth most common language is spoken as a minority language in countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Polish is one of the most difficult languages to learn. For English speakers, Polish vocabulary might be complex and difficult to pronounce. Despite using the Latin character, the language includes several additional letters, a sophisticated grammar libre system, and a heavy reliance on consonants. Learning this language can lead to a variety of opportunities, including travel and study in Poland!

15. Greek

The alphabet is the most evident barrier to learning Greek. With several unique conjugations, a lot of rules, and gendered nouns, the grammar can be a little challenging. Pronunciation also requires some practice because some sounds in English do not have an equivalent. After all, there’s a reason “it’s Greek to me” is a common expression for expressing befuddlement.

16. Tagalog

Our final destination on the list of hardest languages to learn is Filipino, the national language of the Philippines, a standard Tagalog dialect.

The Baybayin alphabet, used in Tagalog, is a unique writing system in which every consonant contains the vowel /a/. Separate vowels or dots are required to differentiate into another vowel.

Most people will find the shift to the Baybayin alphabet difficult, but those seeking a challenge or want to relocate to the Philippines will find learning this language extremely beneficial.

Conclusion

The most difficult languages for English speakers to learn are determined by a number of criteria, not just one. The number of speakers, the language’s origins, its resemblance to English, and other factors all weigh into how difficult it will be to learn.

What matters isn’t which language is the most difficult to learn. It all boils down to how enthusiastic you are about learning, how you will deal with psychological worries, and who you will seek aid from.

Every language will have its own set of difficulties but also its own set of rewards, joys, and fulfillment. Remember that whatever language you choose to study, your time will be well spent.

FAQs On Hardest Languages To Learn For English Speakers

References

• https://bilingualkidspot.com
• https://thelanguagedoctors.org
• https://www.lifehack.org
• https://blog.busuu.com

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