In this article, we will look at the 5 easiest second languages to learn for English speakers. If you wish to learn more, head straight to the 16 Easiest Second Languages To Learn For English Speakers.
5. Norwegian
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Norwegian, or “Norsk,” is an easy language for English speakers to learn. It shares Germanic origins and simple grammar structures with English. With consistent pronunciation and many cognates, it can be mastered in approximately 575 to 600 hours.
Norwegian provides access to Norway’s literary culture and mythology, making it an excellent choice for beginners interested in Scandinavian languages. Its basic vocabulary aligns with English, and its grammar rules, although pronunciation can be challenging, are straightforward. Norwegian utilizes a single grammatical case and relies on word order or prepositions for clarity. The shared vocabulary aids in rapid word acquisition.
4. Dutch
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Dutch, spoken by around 23 million people globally, is a practical choice for English speakers due to its similarities and shared vocabulary. It falls under Category I language and can be learned in approximately 575 to 600 hours. Dutch grammar is simple and closely resembles English, particularly in verb usage. The language is closely related to English, with words like “plastic,” “water,” and “lamp” being identical in both languages.
Flemish, a dialect spoken in Belgium, is virtually the same as Dutch. Learning Dutch is valuable for those planning to live or work in the Netherlands or other Dutch-speaking regions. The sentence structure is similar to English, and Dutch has straightforward verb conjugation. It lacks complex grammatical cases and has relatively uncomplicated pronunciation, making it an easy language to acquire.
3. Spanish
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Spanish, the most accessible Romance language for English speakers, is widely spoken by 548.3 million people across Latin America and Europe. With shared cognates and a largely phonetic lexicon, Spanish offers easy translation and standard pronunciation for English speakers. Its flexible sentence structure provides multiple ways to express ideas.
Learning Spanish online enhances travel experiences and job prospects, with its widespread usage by approximately 534 million speakers globally. While Spanish has simple verb conjugation and two grammatical genders, its pronoun system can be more complex than English. Spanish-speaking communities worldwide provide immersive opportunities for practice and cultural exploration.
2. Italian
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Italian, spoken by 85 million people worldwide, is considered one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. It can be learned in approximately 24 weeks, thanks to its phonetic writing system and rhythmic flow that aid in comprehension through intonation. English speakers benefit from abundant cognates and shared Latin roots, making vocabulary acquisition smoother.
Italian and English share a similar sentence structure, and pronunciation follows logical patterns. With 64 million native speakers, Italian is spoken not only in Italy but also in other countries. The musicality of Italian, straightforward phonetics, and manageable grammar make it an appealing language for English speakers to learn.
1. French
Insider Monkey Score: 4
French is the fifth-most-spoken language worldwide, with 300 million speakers across 39 countries. It is widely spoken in Europe, Africa, and North America, offering ample practice opportunities. Despite nasal vowels being a challenge, English speakers benefit from numerous cognates. French has many first and second-language speakers and is an official language in 29 countries.
Although French pronunciation can be complex, vocabulary similarities with English aid learning. As a Romance language influenced by Latin, French shares cognates. Mastering phonetic rules is crucial for fluency, and the sentence structure resembles English, with adjectives following nouns.
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