Study the Top 10 Languages to Learn on International Mother Language Day

Every year on February 21st, the globe celebrates International Mother Language Day, a time to cherish the importance of linguistic diversity and its part in promoting cultural awareness and sustainable development. This year, why not make learning a new language part of your festival? Engaging yourself in a new language is not just a mental activity; it's a journey into a diverse culture, a way to bond with new people and widen your horizons.

As you consider your linguistic adventure, here's a glance at ten of the most fascinating languages to understand, chosen for their cultural significance, functional utility, and potential for personal growth:

1. Spanish?

With over a million speakers worldwide, Spanish is the second most spoken language after Chinese. Knowing Spanish unlocks doors to rich cultures across Latin America, Spain, and actual parts of the United States. Its relatively phonetic nature and shared roots with English make it a good starting point for multiple language learners.

• Speakers: 534 million (world's second most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
• Popular places to learn: Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica

2. Chinese?

As the tongue of the world's second-largest economy and a rising international power, Chinese is becoming increasingly important in business, science, and technology. While its tonal system and complex writing system present a challenge, mastering Mandarin opens doors to a rich cultural heritage and vast economic opportunities.

• Speakers: 1.12 billion (world's most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 88 weeks (2200 hours)
• Popular places to learn: China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia

3. Arabic

The language of over a million people across the Middle East and North Africa, Arabic is the fifth most spoken language globally and the religious language of Islam. Knowing Arabic not only ties you to diverse and influential parts but also opens a treasure trove of writings, poetry, and sacred texts.

• Speakers: 422 million (fourth most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 44 weeks (1100 hours)
• Popular places to learn: Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman

4. French?

The language of love, tactfulness, and haute cookery, French boasts a rich artistic legacy and stays influential in international relations, business, and the arts. Its lavish pronunciation and slight grammar might appear daunting at first, but mastering French will definitely add a touch of refinement to your repertoire.

• Speakers: 274 million (fifth most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 34 weeks (850 hours)
• Popular places to learn: France, Canada (Quebec), Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg

5. German?

The language of Beethoven, Einstein, and a successful industrial powerhouse, Germany presents a gateway to European culture, engineering excellence, and philosophical thinking. While its grammar might seem difficult, German spreads doors to academic and professional opportunities in Europe and beyond.

• Speakers: 130 million (11th most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 34 weeks (850 hours)
• Popular places to learn: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein

6. Japanese?

The vocabulary of anime, manga, and cutting-edge technology, Japanese presents a fascinating glimpse into a special culture known for its politeness, innovation, and rich culinary traditions. Learning Japanese might be demanding, but the prizes are immense, from linking with a pop culture sensation to understanding a society at the forefront of technology.

• Speakers: 125 million (ninth most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 44 weeks (1100 hours)
• Popular places to learn: Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Hawaii, Peru

7. Portuguese?

Expressed in Portugal, Brazil, and several African countries, Portuguese presents a gateway to diverse civilizations and stunning landscapes. Its musical pronunciation and fairly simple grammar make it a suitable choice for language learners pursuing a beautiful and practical tongue.

• Speakers: 260 million (sixth most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 24 weeks (600 hours)
• Popular places to learn: Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde

8. Italian?

The wording of opera, romance, and culinary delights, Italian delivers a dynamic immersion into Mediterranean culture, art, and history. Understanding Italian will not just let you order your tiramisu with trust but also open doorways to sharing the beauty of Italy and its creative legacy.

• Speakers: 85 million (21st most spoken)
• Approximate time to learn: 34 weeks (850 hours)
• Popular places to learn: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, Croatia

9. Korean?

The Korean language has surged in favor with the international rise of K-pop and Korean dramas. Discovering Korean permits you to enjoy these cultural phenomena in their actual form and relates you to a dynamic and creative society at the forefront of technology and entertainment.

• Approximate time to learn: 34 weeks (850 hours).?
• Popular places to learn: South Korea, North Korea, China, Japan, United States.

10. Hindi?

The fourth most spoken language globally, Hindi is the authorized language of India, the world's second-most crowded country. Learning Hindi unlocks doors to a rich and mixed culture with a wealthy literary and cinematic tradition. It's even a useful asset for anyone curious about business, politics, or academic pursuits related to India.

• Approximate time to learn: 44 weeks (1100 hours)
• Popular places to learn: India, Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname

Remember, the "best" language to learn is ultimately the one that flares your interest and aligns with your goals. International Mother Language Day is an excellent chance to mark the beauty and variety of languages, and launching a new linguistic journey is a wonderful method to honor that confidence. So, select the language you deem right for your needs, embrace the challenge, and get ready to expand your horizons!