Which Is The Easiest Language To Learn? Decoding World’s Easiest language

Rahul Kumar 04 Oct 2024 Others

Have you ever wondered which language is easy to learn other than your native language? If not? Let us together explore the fun world of languages and see which is the easiest language to learn. The groups of languages that are known to us are historically related to one another.

The easiest languages to learn often belong to the same language family and have slightly similar vocabulary, grammar rules, spellings and pronunciations to your native language. So, what are your thoughts? Have you made up your mind to pick up one of these easy languages? Are you merely curious about the characteristics that define a language as "easiest language in the world"? Keep on reading, because The Student Helpline is about to break down which language is easy to learn?

5 Most Easiest Languages In The World

Before trying to figure out which is the easiest language to learn, one should know which languages are most spoken all over the world. Here are the 5 most spoken languages in the world. These figures include both native and non-native speakers.

  • English (Approximately 1.5 Billion speakers)
  • Mandarin Chinese (Approximately 1.1 Billion speakers)
  • Hindi (Approximately 600 Million speakers)
  • Spanish (Approximately 560 Million speakers)
  • French (Approximately 300 Million speakers)

Why Is There A Need To Learn World's Easiest Language? The Need For A Secondary Language

In our increasingly interconnected world, learning a new language has become a valuable skill. Knowing which language other than your native language is the easiest language to learn opens up opportunities for travel, academic/career advancement, cultural appreciation and much more. Having thousands of languages to choose from, many aspiring new learners wonder which is the easiest language to learn.

Surprisingly which is the most easiest language in the world to learn can depend on many factors such as, your learning style, your personal interests, and similarities to your native language. However, people either opt for a secondary language keeping the language similarities in their mind or sometimes people opt for the most spoken language other than their native language as the secondary language/easiest language, but mostly people choose a language based on their personal interests.

Top 10 Easiest Languages To Learn For English Speaking Community

Of all the languages that exist around us, figuring out the world's most easiest language could be troublesome. However keeping the English speaking community in mind, let us jot down a few languages that share the similar roots to English.

Top 10 Easiest Languages To Learn For English Speaking Community
  1. Afrikaans (South Africa)
  2. Dutch (Netherlands)
  3. Norwegian (West Norse-North Germanic)
  4. Spanish (Spain)
  5. Italian (Italy)
  6. Portuguese (Portugal)
  7. French (France)
  8. Romanian (Romania)
  9. German (Germany)
  10. Yiddish (Middle High Germanic)

What Makes a Language Easy To Learn? Decoding World's Easiest language

Before we take a look at the most easiest language to learn for you, let us first de-code what factors makes a language easy to learn.

  • History: Many languages share a common history. For instance, modern English is derived from a form of Old English spoken by Germanic tribes in England who were conquered by the French and Latin-speaking Normans. As a result, English shares vocabulary and grammar structures taken from all the three Latin, French and German languages, and considered the simplest language in the world.
  • Writing System: Mastering a new writing system along with learning to speak a new language is very difficult and, takes time and practice. Languages that use alphabets (meaning each letter representing a sound), such as Greek, Russian, Thai, Hebrew etc. are cosidered easy to learn languages as compared to those that use non-alphabetic writing system (meaning each symbol may represent a syllable or an entire word), such as Japanese or Chinese.
  • Cognates: Wondering which language is easy? The one that shares the most cognates. Cognates are two words in different languages derived from a similar origin. They tend to look and sound the same and have the same meaning. Vocabulary is easier to learn in languages that shares lots of cognates with one's native language. For instance, 'Irresponsable' in Spanish is a cognate to 'Irresponsible' in English. 'Film' is the same in German and Engilsh.
  • Exposure: If you hear a language often, it becomes easier for you to learn that particular language. It also provides you the opportunity to practice speaking and listening more often. For instance many people in US can think of a Spanish word at the top off their heads because they are habitual of listening these words in their communities, or TV or on the radio. As a result, Spanish is the easiest language to learn for English speakers in the US.
  • Resources: One can only learn a language that is accessible to him/her. If you wish to learn world's most easy language, make sure the resources related to the language you wish to learn aren't limited or hard to find.
  • Grammar: Grammar is the backbone of any language. The similarity between the target language's grammar with respect to your native language is a very important factor which makes any language the easiest language to learn. The overall complexity of the grammar is also to be considered, since some languages have no exceptions, no plurals and lack verb tenses, making them easier to learn and implement.

Top 3 Easiest Languages To Learn for English Speakers

English is the mostly spoken language all over the world having approximately 1.5 Billion speakers. Keeping the largest language speaking community in mind, in this section we will discuss the 3 best and easiest foreign language to learn with respect to English speaking and English knowing people.

1. Spanish

Spanish is the most widely taught and spoken foreign language in The United States. It is the most phonetic language, meaning once you jot down the rules, reading becomes easy because words are written like they are pronounced. Although Spanish grammar can be challenging, it is still easier for native English speakers to learn. There are a lot of Spanish-English cognates which makes Spanish the easiest language to learn.

2. French

French is the official language of 29 countries making it the most popular language in the world. Nearly 30% of English words are of French origin. Being a language with Latin roots, French shares similar vocabulary with English.

However when it comes to the question which foreign language is easy to learn? French can prove to be a notorious language. French spellings and pronunciations are very hard ad its grammar can be challenging.

3. Afrikaans

It is a native language of South Africa and a West Germanic language, originating primarily from Dutch. With 6 million speakers Afrikaans has a limited reach as compared to other languages. 90% of Afrikaans words are of Dutch origin, so you'll find similarities in vocabulary and pronunciation with regards to English, making Afrikaans one of the simplest language in the world.

Out of the three easiest languages to learn, Spanish is the best suitable option since French is a tough language to learn. It has its own challenges, the grammar is a tough ice to break. On the other hand Afrikaans, though is simpler but has a limited reach. This makes Spanish the world's most easy language, since it is closely related to English and its phonetic nature helps people master the language in lesser time than expected.

Comparative Analysis Of Spanish With Other Languages. Which Is The Easiest Language To Learn?

1. Spanish VS Mandarin Chinese

Pronunciation

Grammar

Vocabulary

Mandarin is tonal meaning the tone used can change the meaning of the words, while Spanish is phonetic making Spanish most easiest language.

Mandarin grammar is easier since it lacks plural forms and verb conjugations but still isn't comparable with the simplicity of Spanish grammar.

Spanish uses Latin alphabet while Mandarin uses logographic characters making learning Mandarin challenging.

2. Spanish VS Arabic

Pronunciation

Grammar

Vocabulary

Mandarin includes guttural sounds which can be difficult to articulate, while Spanish uses fewer unique sounds, making it most easiest language.

Arabic grammar includes roots and patterns and dialects that make it complex as compared to Spanish grammar.

Spanish uses Latin alphabet while making it easier as compared to Arabic vocabulary.

3. Spanish VS German

Pronunciation

Grammar

Vocabulary

Spanish pronunciation is generally easier, while German has unique sounds and rules that make it complex.

German grammar includes cases (nominative, accusative etc) which complicates sentence structure whereas Spanish grammar focuses more on gender assortment.

Spanish vocabulary is easier ad most similar to English as compared to German

Benefits Of Learning Spanish: The Most Easiest Language To Learn

Now that we have considered Spanish to be the world's easiest language, let's together explore the benefits of learning this language.

1. Connecting with people

Language is a powerful tool to make connections. Learning Spanish will help you connect to a broader range of people.

2. Culinary delights

From tapas in Spain to tacos in Mexico, knowing the right language will help you know your cuisine better.

3. Travel opportunities

From travelling the streets of Barcelona to enjoying the stunning landscapes of Peru, Spanish enhances your travel experience. Being the official language in 21 countries, knowing the world's easiest language will help you explore unfamiliar lands with ease.

4. Access to Literature and art

Spaniards have contributed vastly to arts and literature. Be it Pablo Neruda or Isabel Allende knowing Spanish opens the door to Spanish and Latin American art.

Really? Is Spanish The Most Easy Language In The World? La Conclusio'n Definitiva!

Although the question which is the easiest language in the world to learn depends on various factors, Spanish frequently emerges as the top choice. Its phonetic nature, familiar vocabulary and straightforward grammar makes it the easiest language and the most accessible language.

Beyond the practical benefits of learning Spanish, there are numerous cultural advantages that makes learning this language worthwhile. Connect with The Student Helpline to know more about the easiest languages to learn for students.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Easiest Language To Learn

Which Language Is Easy To Learn And Why?

Spanish is the easiest language of all the languages that exist. Its phonetic nature and similar vocabulary make it easier to learn.

Which Is The Easiest Language To Learn?

Spanish, French, Afrikaans, Dutch and Italian are few easiest to learn languages. The Student Helpline recommend that to gain proficiency in pre-mentioned languages, one needs to connect the expert in the field.

Which Is The Easiest Language In The World?

No language is easy to learn, not even the native language. However for English speaking people other than English, Spanish could be the easiest language in the world.

Which Is The Hardest Language In The World?

Mandarin is the hardest language in the world. Interestingly, the hardest language to learn is also the most widely spoken native language in the world.

Which Is The Best Language To Learn?

English is often considered as the "language of International business". Other than English, Mandarin, Spanish and French are few languages that best interest people. However, Spanish is the most easiest language.

Which Foreign Language Is Easy To Learn?

Spanish is the best foreign language to learn since it shares the same roots with Latin.

What Is The Easiest Language To Learn For English Speakers?

Spanish, French and Afrikaans are a few options one can consider.

Which Language Other Than English Is Easy To Write?

Spanish words are written as pronounced, making it world's most easiest language for English speakers other than English.

Which Language Is Easier To Learn?

The Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Romanian) and Germanic languages (Dutch, Norwegian, German, Danish, Swedish) are languages related to English and some of the easiest to learn languages.

Which Is The Most Useful Language To Learn?

English and Spanish are the most useful and simplest languages in the world to learn, since they are spoken in more than a dozen countries.


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Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar is a dynamic and seasoned writer, currently serving as a Study Abroad Expert at The Student Helpline. Specializing in crafting comprehensive study materials for international standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, and SAT, he brings over five years of experience to his role. Rahul’s passion lies in guiding students through the complexities of exam preparation and the study abroad journey. His insightful articles provide students with valuable information on exam processes, college admissions, top universities, course selection, and more—empowering them to succeed in their academic goals abroad.

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