Learning Languages

There’s no doubt that learning a second (or third!) language is beneficial. In addition to helping you connect with people from around the world, it’s also a great resource to have while traveling, studying, or to put on your resume. But how do you choose which one to study?

When picking a language, it’s important to look at your interests as well as travel, education, and career goals. An adult language school allows us to shake up the routine that our lives so often become. Imagine a summer language immersion program, just for adults, to nourish your intellect in a new way. Learning a new language is more than asking for directions on your next vacation: it’s culture, cuisine, and a different style to express yourself. It’s a different way to see and express our experiences. And while you might not be able to change your environment, you can leave it for a while and return with new eyes and a fresh perspective. If you’re still stuck, however, we’ve got a few ideas as to which are the best languages to learn in 2021.

1. Chinese: Chinese is often considered one of the most difficult languages to learn, so that’s why it’s important to choose a great program that allows lots of room for practice. With the increasing importance of knowing Chinese in the business world and a huge Chinese diaspora worldwide, it will definitely be worth the effort. Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world—spoken in some form by 1.2 billion people—so it only makes sense to include it on this list. Though Chinese consists of various dialects, they use the same writing system, so learning one will still help you communicate with speakers of other dialects via the written word.
2. Japanese: Japan is a relatively safe country to visit with lush landscapes and fresh fish on offer. It is one of the best languages to learn when travelling because you can learn about ancient Japanese culture and gain respect from locals. Although it is one of the harder languages to learn, you will benefit when ordering food and getting to know local cuisine and culture.
3. Korean: Probably something “Korean” already present in your home—from LG, Samsung, Hyundai, etc. The Indian market is one of the most prominent destinations for Korean export products and services. There is an enormous impact on the Korean bilateral relationship with Indian. From all indications, this trend will continue for many more years. The Korean companies operate in almost every sector, i.e., Information Technology, business research, consumer electronics, R&D, life sciences, media, automobiles, tourism, construction industry, trading, finance, services, etc.
4. Spanish: Spanish almost always ranks high on these types of lists, and for very good reasons. Counting 400 million native speakers, it is the official language of over 20 countries and the unofficial second language of the United States where about 13% of the population speaks Spanish at home. There are also troves of supplemental Spanish materials online, so you shouldn’t find it too hard to practice, even if you’re not taking in-person classes. Reggaetón has made its way into popular culture by way of JBalvin and Bad Bunny, and you can choose one of the hundreds of Spanish-language shows on Netflix—like the popular Money Heist—to help you practice your comprehension.
5. Arabic: Arabic is one of the most important languages to learn due to it being the main language of the Muslim civilisation. It is considered to be the official or co-official language in 25 countries, from Morocco to Yemen. When travelling, it is one of the best languages to learn because it is the fifth most popular spoken language in the world, where the Arab influenced countries offer an extremely authentic experience in cuisine and culture.