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From improved memory to increased cultural awareness, learning any new language can positively benefit your life. But when you choose a language that’s prominent in the business world, the region where you live, or the travel industry, you can open new doors in your career or enhance your international experiences. Explore the best languages to learn for whatever your future might hold.
1. Mandarin Chinese
Most of the world’s Mandarin speakers live in China, which has prominent business connections with companies and countries worldwide. A growing number of English speakers in the United States learn Mandarin as a second language in dual-language educational programs during elementary and secondary school, while others choose to learn Mandarin in their adult years.
Although Mandarin is not the easiest language to learn, there are many benefits to learning it for English speakers. Because Mandarin Chinese is such a common language in business-centered countries like China, Taiwan, and Singapore, Mandarin speakers conducting international business may find it easier to communicate with locals and find their way around.
- Official language of: China, Taiwan, Singapore
- Number of speakers worldwide: 1.1 billion Mandarin speakers
- Time to learn: Over 2,200 instructional hours (or 88 weeks, according to the Foreign Service Institute, or FSI)
- Best for: People conducting international business in Asia, planning trips to mainland China or surrounding areas, or with an interest in learning one of the more difficult languages to learn.
2. Spanish
Depending on where you live, Spanish may be one of the most helpful languages to learn for your daily life. With over 41 million Spanish speakers in the United States, Spanish is the most common non-English language spoken in the country. You’re more likely to encounter a Spanish speaker in the United States than a speaker of any other language that isn’t English, making second language acquisition even easier than if you traveled to a different country.
Spanish is a Romance language that shares many Latin-based vocabulary words with English, making it a straightforward language for English speakers to pick up. It’s also a prominent language in the hospitality industry, a common language in many travel destinations, and a standard course offered in most American secondary schools and language instruction programs (including Rosetta Stone!).
- Official language of: 20 countries including Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Peru, Guatemala, Colombia, and Puerto Rico
- Number of speakers worldwide: 500 million Spanish speakers
- Time to learn: 750 hours, or 30 weeks (FSI)
- Best for: Anyone in the hospitality industry or looking to travel in Spanish-speaking areas. People who already know a Romance language like French, Italian, or Portuguese may find it beneficial to learn Spanish.
3. French
After English, French is the official language in the most countries in the world (32). That makes it one of the most spoken languages in the world. It’s also the second most common second language for students to learn, either in school programs or in independent French courses.
Even if you’re not planning a trip to a French-speaking country, you’ll find that it’s an important language to know in many contexts. French is the official language of the International Olympic Committee and one of the official languages of the United Nations, NATO, and the World Trade Organization.
- Official language of: 32 countries, including France, Canada, Rwanda, Monaco, Democratic Republic of Congo, Switzerland, and Haiti
- Number of speakers worldwide: 320 million French speakers
- Time to learn: 750 hours, or 30 weeks (FSI)
- Best for: Those working in government or international relations, working in academia, or planning a trip or conducting business in Europe or throughout Africa.
4. Russian
If you’re planning to work in, live in, or travel to any country in Eastern Europe, the benefits of learning Russian are huge. Not only is Russian the most common native language in Europe, but it’s also the lingua franca (common language) in many countries surrounding Russia, making it a vital language to understand in that area. Russian has also influenced other Slavic languages, particularly during the 20th century.
Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet based on the Greek alphabet, which can aid in your understanding of Greek, Ukrainian, Macedonian, Serbian, and other regional languages. Additionally, learning Russian puts you in a unique position to speak to international colleagues and partners in a number of prominent 21st-century industries.
- Official language of: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
- Number of speakers worldwide: 260 million Russian speakers
- Time to learn: 1,100 hours, or 44 weeks (FSI)
- Best for: Anyone working in international security, working in the international science community, or looking to visit or live in Russia or other countries in the former Soviet Union.
5. German
After Russian, German is the second most common language in Europe. Most German speakers live in Germany, which has had the strongest economy in Europe since the 1980s. That’s why many English speakers in the economic sector learn German as their second language.
German is also a common language in engineering around the world, as well as in the larger scientific community. And because English and German are both Germanic languages, English speakers find German straightforward to learn—especially those involved in linguistics and other aspects of English studies.
- Official language of: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland
- Number of speakers worldwide: 130 million German speakers
- Time to learn: 900 hours, or 36 weeks (FSI)
- Best for: Anyone involved in international banking and economics, engineering, or education in Europe, or people interested in learning more about a language related to English.
6. Arabic
Arabic is the official language of Islam, the second-largest world religion. You’ll hear it spoken in many Muslim countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, as well as many regions throughout the Middle East and Africa. Along with English, French, Russian, Mandarin, and Spanish, Arabic is one of the official languages of the United Nations.
Knowledge of Arabic is often a desirable skill for anyone looking for a career advantage in the military, government, and prominent corporations. Additionally, anyone studying world religions or comparative literature would benefit from a fluent understanding of the Arabic language.
- Official language of: 24 countries (including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, and Bahrain)
- Number of speakers worldwide: 275 million Arabic speakers
- Time to learn: 2,200 instructional hours, or 88 weeks (FSI)
- Best for: People studying world religions, classical studies, international law, or military operations, or those planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa.
7. Hindi
Although Hindi is only the official language of one country (India), it’s spoken in many regions throughout South Asia. It’s the most commonly spoken language in the Iranian language family and essential for understanding key developments in international technology and medicine.
Additionally, Hindi is especially helpful for those traveling or moving to various regions in South Asia. Hindi is the official language of the largest Indian states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. While Hindi isn’t known for being easy to learn, it can lead to a wealth of understanding for anyone engaged in South Asian languages and culture.
- Official language of: India
- Number of speakers worldwide: 425 million Hindi speakers
- Time to learn: 1,100 hours, or 44 weeks (FSI)
- Best for: Those involved in international business, particularly in technological or medical fields, as well as anyone planning to travel to South Asia or study world religions.
Open new opportunities with one of the best languages to learn
The most useful languages to learn are the ones that put you in an advantageous place in the future. Whether you’re learning a language for a professional position, for cultural interest, or on your journey to become a polyglot, you’re sure to find new opportunities around every corner when you start your first lesson. Learn more about the first steps when you explore how Rosetta Stone works—and let your future begin today!