In the world of globalization, the demand for multilingual personalities is high. It thrills the mind of the people who learn new languages as it creates fun and excitement. But, every language is different, and so is its importance. So, all languages cannot be useful to learn. Before deciding which ones to learn, always measure its practical applicability and use. Because of globalization, people are forced to learn different languages, fostering communication, and trade among the countries. Learning languages is the need of an hour. In every area like collaboration, networking, transport, trade, and travel, language is essential. From more than 7000 existing languages, it seems difficult for a person to select the best languages to learn. But, there are only 23 important ones that relate to half of the population of the world. In the words of Benjamin Lee Whorf, “Languages shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.” Can we guess which one is the most important language to learn in the present scenario? You will come to know about the most useful languages through this guide.
What Makes the Most Useful Languages Special?
For a language to become the most useful language, one must consider the personal goals, objectives, and choices. Given below are some of the factors which will end your worries and help you in choosing the most useful languages:
Number of Speakers
Before choosing the most important languages to learn, consider how many speakers speak it. The most commonly spoken language will be the most useful. Opting for the most commonly used language, will pave the way to select one. Some languages are not spoken but still have innumerable uses as they are used internationally. For example, there are many official languages of the U.N. used politically for businesses and non-profit organizations. You should also take insights about which of the second languages people prefer to across the globe. For instance, one of the most commonly chosen second languages is French due to the number of total speakers.
Geographic Region
Secondly, you should consider the region where a language is spoken. You can choose the most important languages to learn based on its practicability and variability. For this, European languages are in great demand. It is essential to choose a language based on your aim and goal while measuring the geographic region. For instance, if you learn the most frequently used language in a particular region, but you do not travel there, then it would hardly be of any use to you. So, choose according to the geographic region.
Versatility
Focus on the versatility of the language you choose to learn. Some of the most versatile languages are of the U.S. as they are used almost in all spheres. Similarly, Mandarin Chinese or French are used due to demand in professional areas like businesses, politics, and art.
Career
Almost in all the fields of career, language skills are in great demand. Its usability depends on your field of career. For example, Spanish will be beneficial for you if you work in education, law, medical, and customer service in countries like the U.S. Similarly, Mandarin, Japanese, and German are beneficial for international business. Determine the best languages to learn according to the requirement of the job. Look into the skills that a job requires and develop those. Become language proficient, and the job is all yours.
Usability
Usability and Usefulness are two distinct terminologies. Usability means frequent use of a particular language. For instance, you might be a user of Mandarin Chinese, but when used only twice in industry conferences, then it might not be useful. Usability is determined by the number of speakers, location, and versatility too. The number of times you use a particular language will increase the chances of gaining proficiency at it.
The Most Important Languages to Learn
1. Spanish
Spanish is the heart and soul of a large number of total and native speakers across the globe. Most popular travel destinations like South and Central America are home to Spanish speaking countries. Additionally, if you wish to love, travel, or work in the U.S., then choose Spanish as the best language to learn. It is the second most widely spoken language, with 538 million users. It is also an official language of the U.N. Spanish would be useful if you want to learn for business with the outside countries. It is one of the most important languages to learn for Americans.
2. German
Europe’s most commonly used language is German, as Germany is its most dominating economy. Are you planning to do business in Europe? If yes, then learn German. It is the easiest and one of the funny languages to learn. With 132 million native speakers, it is the 13th most common first language worldwide. According to The U.S. Census Bureau, German is the fifth top trading partner of the U.S. it is also useful in the field of academics and innovation, which would help users in the field of creative-thinker.
3. French
Popularly known as the “Love Language”, for centuries, it was the international language. Around 277 million speakers speak French. It is the 14th most common language. If wishing to choose a career in non-profit or developmental areas, then learn this language. It is useful in the field of academics for historians across the globe.
4. English
With 1.268 billion users, which is a huge number, this language is considered one of the best and most important languages to learn. English is used in all sectors. From global business to tourism and travel, this language is the best language to learn from innovation to diplomacy from economy to technology. This language is widely spoken in all the leading economies like The US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. The most important language of the internet with most of the content produced in this language on the web.
5. Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese ranks the topmost in the list of one of the most important languages to learn. Even though it is one of the hardest languages to learn, it has around one billion total speakers worldwide, making it the leader. It is the language spoken by the people of China. It is the most useful language as China is the leader in globalization, which increases the demand of people who know Chinese for leading businesses. Mandarin Chinese enhances communication across the globe as it is most often used. One of the six official languages of the U.N. is Chinese. Learning this language can make a person’s career bright as China is the economic leader in the business world.
6. Russian
This language has influenced the people of Eastern European and Europeasian countries. With 258 million users, it is the 8th most commonly spoken languages. It paves the way for enhancing communication worldwide. It is useful in various fields like polity, literature, and the economy. It is one of the six official languages of the U.N.
7. Portuguese
With 252 million users, it is the most widely spoken language in countries like Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. Portuguese is one of the best languages to learn due to its increasing demand for travel, tourism, and globalization.
8. Japanese
Do you love the food, culture, technology of Japan? If yes, then learn Japanese. As it is not spoken outside Japan, it is still useful with 126 million speakers worldwide who are in love with this country. It is also the best language to learn as Japan is the hub of businesses that would benefit all those who wish to pursue a career in international business. It is the fourth top trading partner of the U.S. This country is known for innovation, so all innovative thinkers can learn this language to plan a career in innovative industries.
9. Hindi
One of the most important languages to learn with 637 million users around the world is Hindi. India is a great contributor to the world’s economy. It is the best language to learn, as Hindi is most widely spoken in India.
10. Italian
Although it has limited speakers compared to other languages, it is still an important language to learn. Italy is rich in art, culture, and history with its rich heritage. It is also a common travel destination, making this language important if you love its heritage and tourism. It will help you if you plan a trip to Italy.
11. Arabic
The Arabic language evolved among nomads and popular among moving tribes. Nowadays, it is one of the official languages of the Arab League, comprises 22 countries like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and more. Around 274 million people speak it. It is the fourth-most widely spoken language in over 20 countries. This language has immense scope in national security, International NGOs, journalism, and much more. Arabic speakers also can explore jobs in areas like science, engineering, architecture, business, etc. It paves the way to learn multiple dialects in the area of specialization.
12. Korean
It is one of the oldest languages in the world. One of the most interesting and funny language to learn is Korean. With phonological characters and a unique writing system, it is the easiest language to learn. The shapes in this language resemble the shape of your mouth when you produce a sound. It is useful for business to learn this language.
13. Amharic
If you prefer career opportunities in business, then learn this language. It is the lingua franca of Ethiopia, with around 22 million native speakers. With the increase in the economy rate up to 8.1% from 2018 to 2021, it will become a manufacturing hub. For this reason, it is important to learn this language.
14. Swedish
One of the simplest languages to learn with the familiar words of the English language is Swedish. People who have a strong base of English can choose this as the best language to learn.
15. Norwegian
This language comprises of simple grammar and words similar to the English language. As both languages belong to the Germanic family, they resemble a lot. It is the simplest and enjoyable language to learn. These were some of the best languages to learn.
Reasons to Learn A New Language
There are plenty of reasons as to why learn a new language, but the most common ones are mentioned below:
Make Extra Money
Learning a second language or more than one language can lead to earning extra bucks. It will help you to earn more and more. In the words of Economist, learning Spanish will grant a 1.5% bonus, French will grant a 2.3% bonus, and German 3.8% bonus.
Better Career Opportunities
In the world of globalization, the demand and scope of learning a new language will give you endless opportunities in your career. So, choose the best ones and be fluent in that. That’s all you need to rise.
1. What is the Most Spoken Language in the World?
First Language In the list of the first language, English ranks the list with 1.268 billion speakers. Second Language Mandarin Chinese takes the lead as a second language, with around 1.120 billion users worldwide. With the official language in 59 countries, Arabic is also considered as the second language.
2. Which Language is Spoken in All Five Continents?
Other than English, French is the only language to be spoken on all five continents. With the outspread of French colonials, there are both native and non-native speakers of French.
3. Which is the Most-used Language for Websites?
English covers the web content enormously (60.3%), Russian comes after that. If you have a willingness to learn a second language, then Russian can be your choice. A little less than half of the content (8.6%) on the web is only produced in Russian.
4. What are the Most in Demand Languages?
The demand for a language will vary according to the country or place. E.g., Brazil is the increasing leader in the economy. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Therefore, it has become the most demanding language due to its leading tourism industry, and the interest of foreign countries in setting up their businesses there.
The Most Spoken Languages in the World
Interesting Facts of Languages
Conclusion
Are you planning to work in a different country? Choosing a career abroad or in international business? If yes, then you will need to learn the language of that particular region or area. Learning a second language will pave the way to innumerable opportunities in your career, leading to extra bucks and growth opportunities. So, what are you waiting for? Choose amongst the best languages given above and steal the career opportunity.
