Some languages are just plain harder for native English speakers to learn than others. Some have different grammatical structures, are based on different alphabets, or are just difficult to pronounce.
For some students, taking on one of these “difficult” languages can be scary. But with the right tools, resources and mindset, students can conquer even the scariest languages and learn to be conversant with native speakers.
Here are five of the scariest languages to learn and some tips for conquering them:
1. Mandarin
Most students consider Mandarin the scariest language to learn due to various reasons. Mandarin’s writing style and special characters are complicated since they do not use the Latin alphabet like the English Speakers.
Also, the tonal nature of the language makes it difficult to speak. Students can conquer learning Mandarin by utilizing Pinyin which has Romanized most Chinese characters making it easier to use the correct tone in pronouncing Chinese words.
2. Arabic
Students are scared of learning the Arabic language due to the varieties of Arabic languages spoken, a complicated writing system, challenging grammar with words in dual forms and the exclusion of most vowels. Also, students are not ready to learn new alphabets since the Arabic language uses non-Latin Alphabets with unique sounds absent in other languages.
Students can conquer the Arabic language by hiring a private Arabic tutor, utilizing Arabic books and learning resources such as Arabic Language Learning Applications.
3. Japanese
Japanese is far scarier to understand given the diverse regional dialects. Students are mostly scared of learning the three writing systems, which are in the form of pictographic and phonetic alphabets. In addition, the grammar style of the Japanese language is far more complex for English speakers since the language has a different order of words and the use of verbs in a sentence.
However, students can conquer the language by using Japanese Learning tools and apps such as Takoboto, making Japanese-English translation and learning seamless.
4. Russian
Russian also ranks top in scariest languages to understand with particular concern on the Cyrillic alphabet system which has 33 letters in the alphabet. The grammar is also confusing with rules permitting omission of various verbs in basic sentences.
Utilizing the Busuu Learning App will assist students in multiple dimensions, from understanding the Russian letters of the Alphabet to constructing basic and complex sentences in an interactive approach.
5. German
Students are scared of learning the long German words, confusing pronunciation of some sounds such as “sh” and “ch,” and understanding the three genders (masculine, feminine and neutral) making most students less prepared to learn the language.
Students can conquer learning German by mastering the rules of the language which are straightforward to understand.
About Language Bird
Here at Language Bird, we understand learning a new language is challenging. We provide practical solutions that will assist students in mastering even the scariest languages.
Through one-to-one learning and flexible sessions tailored to meet different students’ needs, we make learning a new language easier and less scary for students. Contact us to become a master in your next language.
