Becoming a Bilingual: factors to consider when choosing a language

Approximately 6, 500 spoken languages exist worldwide although the number of their speakers varies from just tens to millions. Becoming a bilingual, perhaps even a polyglot, should then be a relatively easy decision considering the wide range of languages to choose from.

This begs the question: What language should you learn? You should carefully consider the following factors so as to make the best choice especially if you plan to take a language course to put yourself in the hands of professionals.

Availability of Resources

Of course, learning to fluently speak a language requires access to the appropriate learning resources including teachers or tutors, language books, and audio materials, among others. While you may be able to learn a language on your own, you will learn faster with a fluent tutor by your side.

Your first consideration then should be the availability of reliable resources in your area. This should not be a problem for major languages like French, Spanish and German, among others, since these are offered by both classroom-based centres and online language courses.

Learning a new language can be easier when done online for many reasons. Keep in mind that you can choose your own schedule, enjoy classes in the privacy of your own home, and learn alongside your online tutor in a similar manner as in classroom-based sessions.

Usefulness of the Language

Why are you learning a language in the first place? Your most likely answer: You find it useful for personal and/or professional reasons.

For example, you want to learn French because of your travel plans to France, or because your new employer requires fluency in French for business purposes, or because you want to enjoy French literature in their original form. No matter your reason, you will find that your perception of its usefulness in your life will provide the added push to learn more despite the challenges.

Many people also learn a new language based on their future employment plans, which can also be said in your case. Your decision to learn French may be born out of your desire to increase your chances for employment or advancement (i. e. promotion) in certain countries where fluency in the language for foreigners is an advantage.

For example, fluency in the French language is an edge for expatriates in countries in Africa, North America particularly Canada, and in Western Europe.

Difficulty in Learning

Keep in mind that each language has its own set of challenges for new learners, even for intermediate and advanced students. These challenges can include but are not limited to complex inflectional, spelling and writing systems, which can deter even the most skilled polyglot.

The issues involved in learning a new language will also differ depending on its differences and similarities with your native language and the languages you are already fluent in. Generally, the more your native language differs from the new language, the more challenges you will encounter. But don’t let these challenges stop you from learning a new language either! Start now.

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