In the global economy learning a new language is the new jackpot. It’s not just right for your career or to better your earning prospects, it also places you in a more advantageous position, to communicate with people who speak a different language from yours.
With the ease of access to the internet, it opens up our worlds to vast opportunities. When choosing a new language to study, you need to have a clear set of objectives and motivation, to see you through the road to fluency. Just relying on cheap translate tools may not be beneficial to you.
For those who can already communicate effectively in English, this list is for you. However, if you don’t, it’s still worth to consider the languages listed below, with the addition of Learning English.
1. French
It isn’t only spoken in France. Actually, after English, French is the second language learned widely. Concerning foreign investment, France is the third best destination for it. French is spoken by a significant number of people on five different continents, too.
Also, for those who are contemplating pursuing post-graduate education, French Universities that are renown, are among the world’s top institutions. Students who can speak French also enjoy additional scholarship opportunities.
2. Spanish
It comes as a no-brainer as it is one of the easiest languages to learn. When you reach proficiency, you can even offer translate documents from English to Spanish services. As the Latin world grows, it opens you to opportunities beyond the American borders.
In the UK, more than 30% of business is done in Spanish. Also, countries that have Spanish as the official language offer excellent expat living and an affordable lifestyle.
3. Mandarin
In China, Mandarin is the most widely spoken language. The natives and those who speak it as a second language combine, add up to 1.05 billion people. Besides, China’s economy is the largest when it comes down to parity in purchasing power.
For you to trade or conduct business with ease in China and countries like Malaysia, and Singapore, you may save costs on online translations by learning Mandarin.
4. Portuguese
It is a language spoken in some of the fastest growing economies and populations. In Portugal alone, they only account for 4% of Portuguese speakers in the world. As Brazil’s economy continues to flourish, it may lead to dethroning Portuguese English, in South America, as an essential language to know.
There are Portuguese speaking nations in Africa and Asia too. It will be worth your investment.
5. German
With Brexit underway German and French are expected to benefit. In addition to this, in the EU, Germany is the largest economy. Moreover, its influence can be felt by UK businesses too.
In a particular survey by the British Council, about 50% of companies in the UK, rated it as a “useful” language.
For native English speakers, learning German may be reasonably straightforward. However, compared to Spanish, it’s a little bit difficult.
6. Russian
Among all Euro-Asian nations, Russian is a quite important language. It is also the native language for some noteworthy novelists, the likes of Leo Tolstoy, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. In 38 territories, Russian is the official language.
It ranks eighth among the common languages in the world. The ability to speak Russian offers extensive opportunities to those who would like a taste of new waters. The development of the Silk Road by China and Russia will give you something to think about.
7. Arabic
As the Arab world is among the wealthiest economies in the world, it will be folly not to list it. There’s a high demand for Western Arabic speakers, and they are few. It is a primarily spoken language in the booming and fast-rising economies in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Arabic alphabet will also fasten how you learn Farsi. The latter is the official language in Iran. As it gradually opens to the outside world, it may be your time to set the pace for others to follow.
8. Japanese
Japan is an advanced technology hub. Its advancement in technology and lure of a wealthy lifestyle, make Japanese a useful language to learn. The country makes significant contributions in different sectors, and especially in science and technology in the world.
To master it, you will need persistence and time.
9. Hindi
Forget about the Bollywood movies. It is number four among the most spoken language in the world. It is mostly spoken in India and its neighbouring countries. India also has a strong economy that prospects show will continue soaring.
Most people in India can speak English, but many prefer to communicate in the native language. Learning Hindi may give you a competitive edge.
Conclusion
We choose to study a new language due to a variety of reasons. It may not be all about the money. However, it wouldn’t hurt to focus on return on your investment and ensure you get value for your time and money.