Most Difficult and Hardest Languages in the World, Tips to Learn

Most Difficult and Hardest Languages in the World: Language is a captivating means of communication that showcases the rich variety of cultures around the world. The difficulty of learning a new language can vary greatly from person to person, influenced by their native language and individual learning styles. Some languages are commonly viewed as particularly challenging.

Linguists and language experts identify languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and Hungarian as some of the hardest to learn. These languages are often complex due to their grammar rules, unique writing systems, and tonal characteristics.

What is IELTS Exam?

This article will explore the reasons why these languages are considered difficult and provide practical tips for language learners. Whether you are interested in becoming multilingual or simply want to learn more, understanding these challenging languages offers valuable insights into the incredible diversity of human communication.

English Speaking Countries List

Which are the Most Difficult and Hardest Languages in the World?

The world has an incredible diversity of languages, with thousands spoken in different places. For example, Africa has about 2,100 languages, showing its rich history. Asia is the most diverse continent, with around 2,300 languages, including important groups like Sino-Tibetan and Indo-European. Europe has about 286 languages, influenced by migrations and cultural exchanges. In the Americas, both North and South, there are around 1,064 languages, including many native languages and those brought by European settlers.

Learning a new language can be fun but also hard, especially if it is very different from your own. Some languages are tougher to learn because of complex grammar, tricky pronunciations, or special writing systems. For example, Mandarin Chinese uses tones that change the meaning of words, while Arabic has a script that can be difficult to learn.

To make learning easier, try to surround yourself with the language by listening to native speakers, practicing often, and using language learning apps. Patience and regular practice are key to success. Below is a list of the most difficult and hardest languages in the world.

Unlock Your IELTS Exam Success with PW Online Course – Join Today!!

List of Most Hardest Languages in the World

Some of the hardest languages in the world can be quite challenging to learn. Each of these languages has unique features that make them difficult, such as complex grammar rules, different writing systems, or tonal sounds. The following are the list of top 10 most hardest languages in the world:

1. Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin is tough because it uses tones—each word can have different meanings based on the tone used. It also has thousands of characters that need to be learned, which makes reading and writing difficult.

2. Arabic

Arabic is challenging due to its complicated script that changes shape depending on where the letter is in the word. There are many dialects, and its grammar is quite different from many other languages, with a unique sentence structure.

3. Japanese

Japanese uses three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Each system has different rules and characters, and kanji includes thousands of symbols to memorize. Japanese grammar is also quite different from English.

4. Korean

Korean has its own alphabet called Hangul, which is relatively easy to learn. However, the grammar and sentence structure, which follow a subject-object-verb order, can be challenging for English speakers.

5. Hungarian

Hungarian is known for its complex grammar, featuring 18 cases and unique vowel sounds. Its vocabulary is quite different from other European languages, adding to its difficulty.

6. Finnish

Finnish has approximately 15 grammatical cases and a distinct phonetic system with many vowel and consonant sounds, making pronunciation tough for learners.

7. Icelandic

Icelandic retains many features of ancient Norse, with complex grammar that includes four cases and three genders. It has few borrowed words, making it harder for learners to find familiar terms.

8. Polish

Polish is difficult because of its complex pronunciation, including nasal vowels and clusters of consonants, along with a grammar system that has seven cases.

9. Turkish

Turkish is an agglutinative language, meaning it uses suffixes to express meanings and grammatical functions. It also has vowel harmony and a different word order, typically placing the verb at the end of the sentence.

10. Vietnamese

Vietnamese uses a Latin-based alphabet with marks to show tones and specific sounds. Like Mandarin, it is a tonal language, which makes it challenging for learners.

These languages may be hard to learn, but they provide valuable insights into different cultures and can be very rewarding to study.

List of Most Difficult Languages in the World

The difficulty of learning languages is categorized by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) based on how long it takes for an English speaker to become proficient.

What is the Foreign Service Institute (FSI)? The FSI is the main training center for U.S. government employees who work in foreign services. Founded in 1947, it offers training in over 70 languages and provides resources to help professionals support U.S. foreign policy goals. The FSI's School of Language Studies (SLS) teaches everything from basic skills to advanced language use.

According to the FSI, languages are classified into different categories:

Category I: These languages are closely related to English and take about 24-30 weeks (600-750 class hours) to learn. Examples include  French, Spanish, and Italian.

Category II: These languages have some differences from English, requiring about 36 weeks (900 class hours). Examples include German, Swahili, Malaysian, and Haitian Creole.

Category III: These languages have major differences and take around 44 weeks (1,100 class hours) to learn. Examples are Russian, Hindi.

Category IV: These languages are the hardest for English speakers, with complex grammar and writing systems, taking about 88 weeks (2,200 class hours) to learn.

Examples of Difficult Languages (Category IV): Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Cantonese

These languages in Category IV are especially challenging for native English speakers. Learning any of them takes dedication and practice, but it can be very rewarding and provide deep insights into different cultures.

Tips to Learn the Most Difficult and Hardest Languages in the World

Learning some of the most difficult languages in the world can be tough, but it can also be very rewarding. The following are some practical tips to help you master these languages:

• Decide what you want to achieve, whether it's basic conversation skills or advanced fluency.
• Break your goals into smaller, manageable steps.

• Surround yourself with the language by watching movies, listening to music, reading books, and tuning into podcasts.
• Try to engage with native speakers as much as possible.

• Set aside a specific time each day to practice the language.
• Use language learning apps and tools to keep your skills fresh.

• Pay close attention to how words are pronounced from the start to avoid forming bad habits.
• Use resources like pronunciation guides and phonetic exercises.

• For languages with unique writing systems (like Mandarin or Arabic), take extra time to learn the characters or alphabet.
• Practice writing regularly to become familiar with the script.

• Build a strong understanding of grammar and gradually increase your vocabulary.
• Use flashcards and spaced repetition systems to help memorize new words.

• Find a language exchange partner or join a language learning group.
• Regularly practice speaking and seek feedback from native speakers.

• Learn about the culture related to the language to give your studies more context and meaning.
• Participate in cultural events or watch documentaries about the culture.

• Take advantage of language learning apps, online courses, and virtual tutors.
• Use speech recognition tools to help improve your pronunciation.

• Track your progress and celebrate small successes.
• Be patient and persistent, as learning a challenging language takes time.

By following these tips, you can make learning even the hardest languages more manageable and enjoyable. Happy learning!

Looking to ace your IELTS exam? Check out the PW IELTS online course for expert guidance, comprehensive study materials, and personalized support to achieve your desired band score. Begin your journey to mastering English with PW IELTS today!