Top 5 Difficult Languages for English Speakers

Learning a new language is an exciting but challenging undertaking. While there are many rewards to be gained from mastering a new language, the road to fluency is often littered with setbacks. 

For many English speakers, the biggest obstacle is fear. Speaking in a foreign language can be anxiety-inducing, and it can be tempting to stay silent rather than risk making mistakes. 

Another common challenge is staying consistent with your studies. Finally, fitting language learning into a busy schedule can be difficult. 

However, many online and mobile resources make it easier to fit language learning into even the busiest of schedules. For example, online 1-on-1 tutors can help you overcome your fear of speaking and provide consistent practice. In addition, they can tailor their lessons to fit into your schedule. 

If you have someone to accompany you on the way of learning, you can easily overcome these difficulties, with AmazingTalker you can connect with one-on-one native Spanish Tutors, you will no longer be afraid to speak out of fear of making a mistake, and teachers can help you to arrange your own learning schedule. Not only that, but you can also find a variety of tutors like English Tutors and more at AmazingTalker!

Top 5 Difficult Languages for English Speakers

While there are many languages that English speakers might find challenging, here are five of the most difficult. 

No 5: Turkish

Turkish is ranked number five among the languages that are most difficult for English speakers to learn. Turkish is classified as a Category IV language by the Foreign Service Institute. It typically takes approximately 44 weeks of full-time instruction for an English speaker to reach a “professional working proficiency” in the language. 

Turkish can be challenging for English speakers to learn due to its unique grammatical structure and its use of loanwords from Persian and Arabic. 

However, persistence and a willingness to learn make it possible to overcome these obstacles and become proficient in Turkish. After all, with more than 80 million native speakers worldwide, it’s worth the effort!

No 4: Russian

The Russian language is classified as a Category IV language by the Foreign Service Institute. This means that it is considered one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn. 

The strange letters and unfamiliar grammar can be daunting for beginners, but anyone can learn to speak Russian fluently with perseverance and practice. While it may take some time to become proficient, the effort is well worth it for those who want to communicate with the millions of people who speak Russian worldwide. 

With its rich history and wide-ranging influence, learning Russian is a rewarding experience.

No 3: Polish

In third place in Polish. Polish has a complex grammar system, with seven different cases and many irregular verbs. It also has many loanwords from other languages, which can make it difficult to guess the meaning of words. 

For example, the letters “cz” are pronounced like the “ch” in “chair,” and the letter “rz” is pronounced like the “s” in “treasure.” In addition, Polish uses a lot of nasal sounds, which can also be difficult for English speakers to replicate.

It also has a complex grammatical system that uses different cases for different purposes. For example, there are seven different cases for nouns, and each one has a different ending depending on whether it’s masculine, feminine, or neuter. 

No 2: Arabic

Arabic is considered one of the most difficult for English speakers to learn. It is a Semitic language, meaning it shares common roots with Hebrew and other languages in the region. 

Arabic has its unique alphabet and script, which beginners can find daunting. In addition, the grammar is notoriously complex, with different rules for masculine and feminine words. Even essential words can be challenging for English speakers, as many Arabic words are pronounced with a glottal stop, which is not used in English.

It generally takes about 2200 hours to learn Arabic. However, this can vary depending on how much time you dedicate to learning the language and how quickly you pick up the material. 

However, the rewards of learning this beautiful language are well worth the effort. Those who master Arabic can communicate with over 400 million people worldwide and gain insights into one of the world’s great cultures.

No 1: Mandarin

Mandarin is the most spoken language globally, with over 955 million speakers. It is also the official language of China and Taiwan and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. 

English speakers often find Mandarin challenging to learn due to its complex grammar and tonal nature. The grammar and pronunciation rules are different, but the written language is composed entirely of characters rather than letters. As a result, it can take time and effort to become proficient in Mandarin.

However, with commitment and regular practice, it is possible to become proficient in Mandarin within a few years. While there is no substitute for immersing oneself in the language, several resources can help English speakers learn mandarin, including online courses, one-on-one tutor, and mobile apps. 

With some dedication and effort, it is possible to become fluent in Mandarin and enjoy all that this rich language offers.

Summing Up:

The five languages listed above are difficult for English speakers to learn because of their complex grammar structures and pronunciations. However, with enough practice and patience, anyone can become proficient in these languages.

If you’re looking to improve your language skills, consider studying one of these five languages – you won’t regret it!