How to decide what language to learn?

[Bene]

I am a naturalized American and I speak English pretty well, even better than my mother tongue (Indian language).

I want to learn a new language. I can't decide on which one! I would really love to go with something that attracts me... but I am really not sure on those options either.

I've considered french because I really like the way it sounds, but so many people already speak/know french as a second language. Also Swedish, because I have a fascination with that country, but most swedes already know English.

Learning Spanish here in the US would have practical uses but I am really not looking for practical purposes (or should I?). As you can see I am lost... some suggestions on what to do would be much appreciated.

[uberinquisitive]

If you want to totally challenge yourself:

Mandarin Chinese.

The language requires perfect pitch. Plus, you could spend years learning the written language.

And - it's the business language of the future.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Bene

I am a naturalized American and I speak English pretty well, even better than my mother tongue (Indian language).

I want to learn a new language. I can't decide on which one! I would really love to go with something that attracts me... but I am really not sure on those options either.

I've considered french because I really like the way it sounds, but so many people already speak/know french as a second language. Also Swedish, because I have a fascination with that country, but most swedes already know English.

Learning Spanish here in the US would have practical uses but I am really not looking for practical purposes (or should I?). As you can see I am lost... some suggestions on what to do would be much appreciated.

My friend, look no further than

Comparative table of languages and language profiles for the prospective learner

Good luck

[Ninja]

How about sign language?

[Parthon]

I say pick the language you most want to learn, then go for it.

I'm learning french for no other reason than I want to because it sounds romantic. I was going to learn Spanish, Latin, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, or German for more practical reasons, but I didn't have the motivation.

Just choosing the one I most wanted to do was motivation enough.

[Dharma]

Originally Posted by Ninja

How about sign language?

If you live near an urban area of the US, sign language (ASL) would be a good choice.

[Kryptik]

I'd personally first look at the languages that would be of most use in the area you live in. If you don't use the language often, you'll forget it. So if you're in an area that language is used or you have opportunities to use it, it would be easier. But don't learn a language if you don't enjoy the language, just because it is prominent. You really do need to enjoy how it sounds, the rules, etc, or else there is a higher chance you'll give it up.

For example, where I live there is a large amount of Spanish and Russian speaking people. I'm learning Spanish, because I really enjoy the language. I'll get to Russian some day... but for now, 3 languages (Spanish, Dutch, English) is more than enough for me.

[Keith]

Sample a few, see which you like.

[maxdof]

Spanish because it is widely spoken, and in great countries.
Portuguese to go to Brazil!!
French because with English and Portuguese you will speak all the language of Africa, another great place to go.

Forget German and all other european language, Italien, Swedish... useless, they all speak English and their language are spoken only in their countries...

[maxdof]

Originally Posted by Ninja

How about sign language?

Yes and Morse!!

[supertom]

chinese since they'er gonna take over the world, might as well understand our new overlords

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by supertom

chinese since they'er gonna take over the world, might as well understand our new overlords

So, what are you saying? The U.S. are overlords at the moment?

[maxdof]

Originally Posted by supertom

chinese since they'er gonna take over the world, might as well understand our new overlords

I don't think they are going to 'take over the world' and even though I don't think it is enough to chose to learn their language. It is a 'by default' reason. They are still a extremist communist not friendly not happy poeple, and I know from my part that I'am not attracted to Chinese, Japanese culture (they really seem to work as hell!!!), besides mangas, sony, robots, and the big wall.

I deeply prefer the Americas (north and south), and Europe/Africa cultures, that is why I advice to learn, in order, their language:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Portuguese

... which are the most "Transparency" languages, according to Comparative table of languages and language profiles for the prospective learner , the page Stephen advices us.

[Bene]

oh so Transparency meant Similarity to other languages... I was wondering what that meant.