Top 10 Most Difficult Languages in the World

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Language is key to culture, thought, and relationships, but some languages are surprisingly difficult for learners. As we stand in 2024 today, we present the 10 most difficult languages of the world, exploring the unique complexities that still baffle even the best polyglots. Extensive vocabulary, tonal variations, and unaccustomed writing systems are some of the factors why learners scratch their heads in exasperation.

That said, however, mastering these languages has more to them than mere academic achievement. Mastering a difficult language promotes intellectual development and trains logical thinking. Success brings new sensitivities and experiences. Moreover, in a slowly fading global frontier, professional communication in multiple languages can foster meaningful connections, deepen intercultural understanding, and open the door to certain international career opportunities.

From the melodic redundancies of Mandarin to the problematic conjugations of Hungarian, every language holds a rich tapestry of history and culture waiting to be discovered. As we review this list, we rejoice not only in the barriers these languages present but also in the value that can be gained from appropriating them. Whether for self-development or professional development, the knowledge of why and how to communicate in those languages will fundamentally alter the way you interact with your surroundings.

Natural Languages: These languages have evolved naturally over time through use by a community of speakers. For instance, it includes English, Spanish, Mandarin, Chinese, Arabic, and thousands of other spoken languages around the world.
Constructed Languages (Conlangs): These languages are deliberately created by individuals or groups, often for artistic, cultural, or scientific purposes. Examples include Esperanto, and Klingon (from Star Trek).
Sign Languages: These languages use manual communication and body language to convey meaning instead of spoken words. Examples include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and French Sign Language (FSL).
Programming Languages: These languages are used to write instructions for computers and other devices to perform specific tasks. Examples include Python, Java, C++, and HTML.
Artificial Languages: These are languages created for fictional purposes, such as for literature, film, or games. They can include both constructed languages and natural languages adapted for fictional settings.

These are just some of the broad categories of languages, and within each category, there are countless specific languages with their own unique characteristics, grammar rules, vocabulary, and cultural contexts.

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Break Language Barriers: Master the 10 Toughest Languages

The 10 most difficult languages enlisted here reveal a fascinating landscape of linguistic diversity and complexity. Renowned for their unique challenges, learning these languages requires significant dedication and effort from learners. For instance, where Mandarin Chinese with its tonal nature and intricate characters, stands out prominently, the Arabic language too presents complexities with its script and dialectical variations. Other contenders include Hungarian, known for its extensive grammar rules, and Finnish, which features 15 grammatical cases that can perplex even seasoned linguists.

Each of these languages is more than just a means of communication; they offer deep cultural insights and historical significance. Learning them opens up access to rich literary traditions, diverse customs, and new ways of thinking. For instance, mastering Japanese not only involves understanding its three writing systems but also grasping nuanced social contexts embedded in the language.

By challenging yourself to learn one of these languages, you foster cognitive development and develop problem-solving skills and patience. In today’s global environment, bilingualism can be used for gaining better career opportunities and enhancing personal views. As we delve deeper into these linguistic marvels, keeping aside the difficulties we focus on the immense benefits that come from learning and appreciating them as well as the huge scope they offer.

Languages	Approximate Number of Speakers
1. Mandarin Chinese	Over 1 billion
2. Arabic	310 million
3. Japanese	128 million
4. Korean	80 million
5. Russian	154 million
6. Finnish	5.5 million
7. Hungarian	13 million
8. Icelandic	360,000
9. Georgian	4 million
10. Navajo	170,000

1. Mandarin: Top Difficult Language in the World

Mandarin, one of the most difficult languages yet a widely spoken language in the world, offers numerous career prospects when learned. By learning the language, communication with over a billion native speakers will be easy and it will open doors to a diverse culture. China is a major player in technology, finance, and business industries, thus learning to speak Mandarin fluently will better your career prospects in these sectors. Moreover, mastering Mandarin increases problem-solving and multitasking skills. Apart from this, the distinct characters and the melodic nature of the language provide for a richer understanding of Chinese culture, literature, and history.

Mandarin language - hardest language to learn

History of the Mandarin Language

The language Mandarin came into existence and was used only in the 20^th century, though China has been in existing for centuries throughout world history. In 1911, the Republic of China was established, and in the year of 1912, the search for “one nation, one language” began.

After years of meticulous research, the Mandarin language was developed and declared the national language of the Republic of China in 1932. It has hence stayed the national and official language throughout the rest of China’s history to date.

Why is Mandarin considered to be the hardest language in the world?

The Mandarin language is often said to be one of the hardest languages in the world to learn. Though the grammar is simple, the fact that Mandarin is completely different from commonly spoken languages like English, French, and Spanish, makes it is hardest language to learn.

The most important factor to get right is the four different tones in the language. Tones refer to the pronunciation of words. This difference in tone gives every word four different meanings.
In addition to this, Mandarin is ideographic. This means Mandarin script consists of Chinese symbols, unlike alphabets and words like in the English language. It can take a while to learn and gain an understanding of all the thousands of symbols to be able to read and write in Mandarin.

These reasons put the Mandarin language at the top of the list of the most difficult languages in the world.

Tips for Learning Mandarin Languages

Begin with Pinyin: Use the phonetic system called Pinyin first to assist in pronunciation.
Use Flashcards for Characters: You can later utilize Apps like Anki can help you learn characters in effective ways.
Practice Speaking: Interact with native speakers by using language exchange apps like Tandem or HelloTalk.

2. Arabic: Hardest Language in the World

Arabic also is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, which takes you through rich cultural, historical, and religious traditions. Although also one of the most difficult languages, knowledge of Arabic significantly boosts career prospects. Owing to highly-demanded language, especially in the career-related fields of diplomacy, international relations, and business, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, proficiency in the language can help with career prospects. Moreover, Arabic enables wider communication and relationships with over 400 million native speakers.

Arabic language - hardest language in the world

History of the Arabic Language

An important member of the Semitic family of languages, Arabic first originated in the Arabian Peninsula.

The origins and use of the language date well back to the 8^th century BC. Therefore, making it one of the oldest languages in the world in addition to one of the most difficult languages in the world. The word “Arabic” translates to “nomadic”.

This highlights that it was first spoken by the nomadic tribes of the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. However, the language has undergone a lot of refining and polishing throughout the years.

Why is Arabic considered to be the hardest language in the world?

The main reason that Arabic is said to be one of the hardest languages in the world to learn by many is the lack of any similarity when compared to other commonly spoken European languages. Various factors add up to the complexities of the language.

The most important and obvious one is that the language is written from the right to the left side. This is the exact opposite of English as well as system languages.
The VSO (Verb-Subject-Object) order used in Arabic grammar as well as the tense forms used can be quite confusing.
It also contains various sounds exclusive to Arabic which might prove difficult for non-native speakers.
Out of all the obstacles faced in learning Arabic, the top one is the lack of patience as it can take one and a half years to reach fluency in the language.

Tips for Learning Arabic Languages

Listen to Modern Standard Arabic: First look in the standard form before venturing out into the regional dialects.
Language Apps: Take whatever is available, like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, with a more structured course.
Submerge yourself: Listen to Arabic music and watch movies to enhance your understanding. That is pretty expansive in language learning.

3. Japanese: Best Languages in the World

Japanese is one of the most difficult tongues in the world, but it’s certainly worth all the hassle when trying to learn this language. You can acquire attractive job opportunities in the country’s technology, automotive, or entertainment industries as Japan leads all these sectors. Plus, the Japanese language takes you closer to the beautiful society of Japan, the rich cultures and traditions, and its art and literary works. Furthermore, because it uses its own very unique writing systems and grammar, learning Japanese makes one more intuitive with cognitive abilities such as solving problems and memorization.

Japanese language - most difficult languages in the world

History of the Japanese Language

The history of Japan dates back more than 2000 years. Despite that, there is very little known about the origin of the Japanese language in the books of Japanese history.

The first evidence dates back to the 8^th century. In this evidence, it can be seen that though Japanese is not similar to Chinese, the script used is Chinese.

During the 18^th century, two types of Japanese scripts were developed which were called Hiragana and Katakana. Presently, Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana are the writing systems used in modern Japan.

Why is Japanese considered to be the hardest language in the world?

Most English speakers deem the Japanese language to be one of the hardest languages to learn. The unique features of the language add to the interest along with its complexities.

There are three scripts that each one has to learn – Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. While Hiragana and Katakana are phonetic alphabets whose sound remains the same. However, Kanji is derived from Chinese symbols and is more complex.
Japanese grammar is very simple to understand and rarely poses a problem in learning.
Japanese practice various levels of speech depending on the scene ahead of them. It is important to get a proper understanding of the same and learn the keigo language level for formal use along with the language for casual use.

Tips for Learning Japanese Language

Hiragana and Katakana First: Learn the two alphabet structures before attempting Kanji.
Apps: WaniKani is one of the best apps for learning structured Kanji.
Japanese Media: The most entertaining way to learn is through watching anime, dramas, and movies.

4. Korean: Most Difficult Asian Language

Following Japan, South Korea has also joined the league of world leaders in the tech, entertainment, and fashion markets. So, for example, knowing Korean – one of the hardest languages in the world – will open career opportunities in these fast-growing fields. Witness firsthand elements of Korean culture, history, and customs, such as K-pop, cinema, and food, to appreciate its artistic work. Since there are more than 80 million native speakers, the knowledge of the Korean language will continue to build contact with the diaspora community and native speakers.

Korean language - hardest language to learn

History of the Korean Language

There is no evidence of the specific history of the Korean language. However, the belief is that the people from the Korean Peninsula came together to form a single language for communication, probably around the 6th to 14th century.

Nevertheless, the modern Korean language was developed in the 15th century. Initially Chinese script called Hanja was used in the writing of Korean.

However, this script could not represent the various sounds in Korean. Hence, they developed a writing style called Hangul around 100 years ago.

Why is Korean considered to be the Hardest Language in the World?

Korean has been ranked as one of the hardest languages to learn for native English speakers by the US Foreign Service Institute. It is a part of its own language family that Koreans call Korean.

The Korean language has Hangul as its alphabetic system.
Hangul is written from left to right but is read from top to bottom.
The language follows an SOV (subject-object-verb) approach.
Korean is a phonetic language that is not straightforward and has many layers. Pronunciation of Korean is tricky and can take work.
The vocabulary is uncommon. Though loanwords taken from different languages can be a good place to start.
Similar to the Japanese language, Korean also shows language levels based on the setting called honorifics. An understanding of this and the delicate nuances will help one feel more natural and at ease during conversations.

Tips for Learning Korean Language

Hiragana and Katakana First: Learn the two alphabet structures before attempting Kanji.
Apps: WaniKani is one of the best apps for learning structured Kanji.
Japanese Media: The most entertaining way to learn is through watching anime, dramas, and movies.

5. Russian Language: Most Difficult Language in the World

In this country of glorious names like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, the ability to learn Russian means access to magnificent cultural enrichment found in literature, music, and art by geniuses. The more proficient one becomes in Russian, the greater the potential career development opportunities will be, especially in diplomacy, energy, and international business, given Russia’s role in geopolitical matters. Furthermore, conversational fluency helps to connect with 250 million native speakers globally. Finally, mastering the Russian language is an add-on value to your academic credentials. This will enhance the career scope of the learner for a more colorful and exciting world.

History of the Russian Language

Russian, which originated in the 10th century, has evolved from the subgroup of the Old East Slavic branch of Indo-European languages. Its origins derive from interactions among several tribes at the time of Vikings and Slavs who influenced it previously. Following the acceptance of Christianity, along with the influence of Church Slavonic, the vocabulary and literary style took other forms. Over many centuries, much changed in the Russian language under a series of rulers and Westernization. In the 19th century, Russian literature experienced a period of development because of authors such as Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky.

Why is Russian considered one of the most difficult language in the world?

Russian makes it in the list of the most difficult languages in the world, based on the complexity of the grammar of the language. This includes six cases of nouns and complex conjugations in verbs, more than that, there is a difference that distinguishes between various tenses. The Cyrillic alphabet, although not extremely difficult, can be challenging for those accustomed to using Latin alphabets. It is also quite difficult for non-native speakers to get used to the Russian pronunciation because, in general, it uses reduced vowels and consonant clusters. Besides, the slight differences in stressing can change the meaning of a word completely, making mastery of this language a rather daunting task.

6. Finnish: Most Complex Language to Learn

Finnish is the official state language of Finland, besides Swedish. It opens the road for great cultural heritage, including literature, music, and practicing traditions. Mastering Finnish can lead to a great professional future, especially in technology, design, and education, as Finland is known for innovative industries and quite a good quality of education. Another point here is the specific grammar and vocabulary of the language, which can develop cognitive skills and promote creative thinking. Learning Finnish enhances personal development while discovering a more lively, less-explored world.

Finnish language - most difficult languages in the world

History of the Finnish Language

Similar to Hungarian, Finnish is a Uralic language. It originated from the Uralic mountains in 1500 BC. But an interesting fact is that the Finns originated from the lands of now Turkey.

A common misconception is that the two official languages of Finland – Swedish and Finnish, are similar to each other. However, this is untrue. While the derivation of Swedish is from the Indo-European family of languages, Finnish is a Finno-Ugric language.

Why is Finnish considered to be the hardest language in the world?

Also known as the Suomi language, it is rumored that Finnish is one of the hardest languages to learn.

The Finnish language consists of 29 alphabets.
Finnish vocabulary is 30% new Finnish words and 70% words from Proto-Uralic languages.
The Finnish language has borrowed many words from various languages like English, Greek, Slavic, German, French, Arabic, and many more.
There is no future tense in Finnish.
Finnish doesn’t have its own script. Instead, it uses Latin script.
The 15 cases of nouns used add to the complexity of the language.

Tips for Learning Finnish Language

Focus on Vocabulary: Learning grammar will be easy if you build a solid vocabulary foundation.
Practice Regularly: Make use of language exchange platforms and apps to practice regularly.
Engage with Finnish Culture: Reading Finnish literature or listening to Finnish music can help boost your understanding of the language.

7. Hungarian: Toughest Language in the World

Being part of the Uralic language family, specifically categorized under the Finno-Ugric language, Hungarian offers some unique organizational structures aside from Finnish and Estonian languages. Knowledge of Hungarian explores the richness of Hungarian culture, literature, music, and lively traditions besides opening up career prospects in history, arts, and tourism.

Hungarian language - hardest language in the world

History of the Hungarian Language

Hungarian is a Uralic language. The Hungarians were nomads and migrated from Asia to Europe in the 9^th century. Hungarian has been majorly and minorly influenced by various languages to date.

At first, Iranian and ancient Turkish languages influenced the language. Once in Europe, the Slavic, medieval Latin, Estonian, Finnish, and German languages influenced it too. After World War II, globalization caused the language to be further modified, but still the most difficult language in the world.

Why is Hungarian considered to be the hardest language in the world?

An interesting fact about the language is that the longest Hungarian word is 44 letters! Hungarian is an agglutinative language, which means that the addition of many grammatical components to a word is possible.

This can increase the length and change the meaning of the word. These rules can make the language very complex and make it one of the hardest languages to learn. Here are some of the features of the Hungarian language.

Compared to the five vowels in English, Hungarian has 9 vowels and 44 alphabets.
The pronunciation of words reflects the writing. It is a phonetic language.
Hungarians also use two words for the color “red”.
The language uses 17 cases according to various factors. These act as prepositions.
The core of the Hungarian vocabulary consists of Uralic words. However, it has also borrowed words from the languages it has been influenced by.

Tips for Learning Hungarian Language

Focus on the Basics of Grammar First: Focus on cases and noun inflections.
Practice with Native Speakers: Online communities or local meetups can provide conversational practice.
Use Resources Like Books and Podcasts: Utilize language learning resources that focus on Hungarian.

8. Icelandic: Challenging Language to Learn

Icelandic is the official language of Iceland, which takes learners to what can be considered a rich cultural heritage, including Norse literature, folklore, and a wonderful music scene. Proficiency in Icelandic might make the experience of travel better because it opens deeper avenues for conversation with locals and a tangible understanding of the landscapes as well as the traditions in Iceland. What makes the Icelandic language interesting is that one of the very few languages that have pretty much stayed stable through the centuries, which makes it an extremely fascinating study for linguists and language admirers generally.

Icelandic language - hardest language to learn

History of the Icelandic Language

After Iceland’s settlement came into place in the 9th century, the Icelandic language formed and evolved in isolation. As classified as a North Germanic language, the roots of the Icelandic language trace back to the Old Norse language of the Vikings. Since the time that the language was evolving in isolation, it succeeded in keeping many archaic features that other Scandinavian languages could not preserve. A rich literary tradition reflected through the first written records that appeared in the 12th century with sagas and poetry. The standardized form of the language came in the 19th century, influenced by national romanticism. Despite modern influences, Icelandic has remained relatively unchanged, with a focus on linguistic purity. Today, it is known for its unique grammar and vocabulary, maintaining a strong cultural identity in Iceland.

Why is Icelandic considered to be the hardest language in the world?

It is because of the structure of the grammar that has four separate cases for nouns and verb conjugations of an extremely complex kind with many inflections. Moreover, since Icelandic vocabulary is mainly borrowed from Old Norse, the language becomes difficult to learn for those who are not well-versed with any Germanic languages at all. Furthermore, pronunciation differs significantly from other languages, featuring unique sounds and stress patterns. Maintaining strict linguistic purity is compulsory, as well as avoiding loanwords, which can complicate comprehension for non-native speakers.

Tips for Learning Icelandic Language

Focus on Grammar: Study the grammar rules thoroughly, as form the foundation.
Use Language Learning Apps: Utilize language learning platforms like Memories or Drops for vocabulary.
Practice Speaking: Find conversation partners or online tutors.

9.Georgian: Most Difficult Language to Speak

Georgia is rapidly opening up for tourism and international business and therefore, knowledge of the Georgian language may create different opportunities in such fields as diplomacy, tourism, and education. Even though one of the most difficult languages of the world, studying the Georgian language might help to build relations with native speakers, thus people may feel more familiar and closer to the nation’s history and traditions.

georgian language

History of the Georgian Language

Part of the Kartvelian family, the Georgian language has over 1,500 years of history. The first written records go back to the 5th century and the Georgian script is attributed to Saint Mesrop Mashtots. The kingdom of Georgia was flourishing in the medieval period and actively developed its literature. Through the centuries, the Georgian language has absorbed influences of Persian, Arabic, and Russian as a consequence of political and cultural contacts. It has overcome all challenges, including periods of foreign domination, and preserved its unique phonetic and grammatical features, which today have turned into an important feature of national identity and culture.

Why Georgian language is considered as one of the Most Difficult Languages?

The Georgian alphabet has 33 letters, and the traditional phonetic system is full of consonant clusters. It makes it difficult to learn one since there are quite sophisticated grammatical structures with a dense verb conjugation system and a set of noun cases. Moreover, the syntax of Georgian is fundamentally different from most Indo-European languages. Therefore, it is a challenging job that is paid off by language learners, given the lack of resources available for learners.

Tips for Learning Georgian Language

Master the Script: Start by mastering the script, which consists of 33 letters.
Make use of language learning apps: Language learning apps like Memrise or Tandem can help with vocabulary and practice.
Immerse yourself: Engaging with native speakers through language exchange and immersing yourself in Georgian culture can boost your understanding and fluency of the language.

10. Navazo: Most Difficult Language to Communicate

Imagine a language used during WWII to produce coded messages. Yes, the Navajo is one of them. Given its background in WWII, the Navajo language is amongst the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn. However, the learner becomes connected with lively traditions, folklore, and history in learning this language, which is a part of Navajo tradition. Primarily native to the Southwestern United States and the Navajo Nation, fluency in Navajo would help you gain a better understanding of Native Americans’ traditions, hence making you more culturally aware and sensitive. Keeping the language alive ensures the preservation of the identity and culture of the Navajo Nation. As such, knowing Navajo will provide access to education, healthcare, and human services jobs serving indigenous people.

Origin of Navajo Language

The Diné Bizaad, or simply the Navajo language, falls in the Athabaskan language family and has been used for generations by the Navajos. The roots of the languages trace back as far as the migration of the Athabaskan-speaking groups from Canada to the Southwest in the 15th century. Language development emerged through the adaptation of the Navajos to the surrounding environment and the establishment of a strong oral tradition. Transcription of the Navajo language began in the 19th century, but the language was suppressed during colonial periods. With this history, during World War II, the Navajo code talkers used the language to come up with an unbreakable code. Today, the revitalization efforts aim at conserving the language and propagating the same among the younger generation.

Why Navajo Language is regarded as one of the most difficult languages?

Navajo is a tone Language meaning the pitch determines how to distinguish words. The Navajo is one of the hardest languages to master because of its labyrinthine grammar, most especially in verb forms with varied meanings and subtleties. The vocabulary, overall, offers a vast scope of tones and sounds which may be challenging for a foreigner’s tongue to pronounce. Furthermore, since it relies heavily on context and utilizes an extraordinary system of prefixes and suffixes that modify meaning, it is complex to understand. After all, learning resources also seem to be limited, which is yet another factor that leads to the difficulty in learning the language.

Tips for Learning Navajo Language

Take a Course: Seek out structured language courses or programs specifically for Navajo.
Engage with the Community: Participate in cultural events or connect with native speakers.
Use Resources Online: Explore resources like online dictionaries or language learning sites.

Importance of Learning Foreign Languages

Though it takes time and effort, it is extremely essential these days to learn new foreign languages.

Along with the immense enhanced opportunities one can gain through them, being multi-lingual also boosts a positive attitude and confidence. It also offers insight into different cultures and increases interest and perspective.

These are just a few of the benefits out of the many, especially in the most difficult languages in the world. Now the question is where to start your journey of gaining this new skill.

There are plenty of academies in India providing courses in learning foreign languages.

Expert Tips to Overcome Language Learning Challenges

Learning difficult languages can be challenging, complex, and difficult to expertise. To overcome learning challenges for the hardest languages in the world, we can use several strategies to make the process easier and more efficient.

Break it Down

Divide the complex learning process into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on mastering one aspect at a time, such as vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, etc.

Consistent Practice

Regular practice is key to language learning success. Set aside dedicated time each day to study and practice the language, even if it’s just for a short period.

Immerse Yourself

Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. Listen to music, watch movies or TV shows, read books or articles.
Use Technology

Take advantage of language learning apps, online language courses, and resources like flashcards or language and language speaking training programs. These tools often incorporate interactive exercises, and other techniques to aid in learning difficult languages in the world.

Find Motivation

Identify your reasons for learning the hardest language in the world and keep them in mind as motivation. Whether it’s for travel, career advancement, connecting with family, or personal interest, having a clear goal can help you stay focused and committed.

Practice Speaking

Don’t be afraid to speak the language, even if you make mistakes. Practice speaking language with correct assent is essential. Speaking regularly will improve your fluency and confidence.

Make Learning Enjoyable

Find ways to make language learning enjoyable. Incorporate activities you already love, such as cooking, gaming, or sports, into your language-learning routine. This can help keep you engaged and motivated.

Focus on Patterns:

Looking for patterns in the language, such as common sentence structures, making short sentences, verb conjugations, or word endings.

Be Patient and Persistent

Motivation plays a significant role, especially in a difficult task, so, celebrate small victories along the way. Stay persistent and don’t get discouraged by mistakes in your learner journey.

Review and Reinforce

Regularly review previous material and reinforce what you’ve learned through practice and repetition.

By incorporating these strategies into your language learning routine, you can make the process of learning a complex language easier and more effective. Remember to stay patient, stay consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovering easy tips to learn difficult languages.

Henry Harvin Language Academy: NO.1 Language Academy

Henry Harvin Language Academy - most difficult languages in the world — Image Source: Henry Harvin Academy Site

The Henry Harvin Language Academy strives with the mission to provide education with the current technology with the in-demand language skill sets.

With an online platform available to all, the focus of the language courses is to comprehend topics and lexis. The design of these courses is a way to achieve the goal of turning learners into Language Professionals.

It helps them excel at the most difficult languages in the world and reach their full professional potential. The average duration of these courses is 50 to 60 hours per level. One has to directly contact the academy to attain the updated fee structure.

Why Henry Harvin Language Academy

Along with getting the opportunity to learn from the best of the industry with over 12 years of experience, the language courses are a complete package of 9-in-1 features. These courses can help one excel at the most difficult languages in the world.

Attending live online interactive sessions for all levels.
Provided with several projects to work on, such as writing blogs, social media posts, writing emails, etc.
Assisted in landing an internship to further work on your skills.
Get a Hallmarked Certification of the English Writing Course from Henry Harvin which is recognized by the Govt. of India.
Guaranteed opportunities for 100% placement for 1-year post-successful completion.
Get access to many tools and techniques, video content, etc.
Get access to 52+ masterclasses for the development of your soft skills.
Free access to several Hackathons and competitions.
Get a 1-year Gold membership with Henry Harvin Language Academy for the English Speaking Course.

These courses are also available in the following cities

Agra, Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Noida, and Pune.

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Conclusion

In today’s world, it is evident that multilingualism is a necessity. It can help one grow in this interconnected world. This list of the most difficult languages in the world can be intimidating for someone starting a new journey. However, the rewards of overcoming the obstacles of learning a foreign language can be significant. The knowledge of languages can help in connecting with the world more and help one achieve great heights.

Learning the most difficult languages is exhausting, but rewarding. Each of these languages offers different rewards through cultural insights and enhanced cognitive skills. Remember, perseverance, practice, and immersion are among the key strategies learners need to master a language. So, with the right approach, you can turn these challenges into real opportunities for growth and understanding. Keep learning!

FAQs

Q.1 Which is the hardest language in the world?

Ans. It is important to understand that the difficulty level of learning a new language can vary. It chiefly depends on the native language of the learner.

Q2. How many different languages are there in the world?

Ans. The number of languages in the world exceeds 7100. Each of these makes the world more diverse and interesting.

Q3. Which is the most spoken language from the list of most difficult languages in the world?

Ans. Mandarin Chinese and Modern Arabic are at the top of the list of most spoken languages in the world.

Q4. How to overcome the fear of learning a new language?

Ans. Learning a foreign language challenges your mind and demands time. Therefore, it is important to train your mind to motivate your own self and learn to find child-like joy in learning. It is also helpful to set aside some time in the day to learn and make it a habit.

Q.5 What are the 5 C’s of language learning?

Ans. The 5 C’s are the goal areas – Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.

Q.6 Which factors determine the difficulty of any language?

Ans. Mostly, learners find it difficult to learn any second language because of the extent to which the second language differs from the first. Pronunciation variations, grammar rules, and levels of politeness and honorifics can act as a hindrance in mastering the second language.

Q.7 Pinyin and Hanyu – what is the difference between the two?

Ans. Hanyu, literally means ‘Han Language’ that is the Chinese language. Pinyin, on the other hand, literally translates to ‘spelled sounds’. Pinyin is the system used in China to teach Mandarin phonetically using the English alphabet.

Q.8 Among the most difficult languages in the world, grammar of which languages are difficult?

Ans. Arabic, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese are difficult, particularly owing to their complex grammar, writing, and pronunciation systems.

Q.9 Are there any courses available to learn these most difficult languages of the world?

Ans. Yes, certainly. With technological progress, learning the most difficult languages of the world has become quite easy. Many online courses by reputed institutions like Henry Harvin offer exceptional courses.

Q10. Can any of these most difficult languages be self-taught?

Ans. Probably yes. You may make use of the numerous linguistic apps and other free resources that are available online. However, considering the difficulty of these languages, it would be advisable to learn under the guidance of a language expert or a native speaker. Institutions such as Henry Harvin have industry experts and native speakers to assist you in your language journey.

10 Most Difficult Languages in the World 2024