Where Data Tells the Story
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World Languages Ranked by Difficulty for English Speakers
Using data sourced from the Foreign Service Institute, Effective Language Learning and Rosetta Stone, this chart shows how many weeks of learning are required for English speakers to learn another language. The FSI structures their categories on learning timelines expected for a student to attain proficient speaking and listening skills. A typical week includes 23 hours in the classroom and 17 hours of self-study. The time estimates here reflect how long it would take the average person to reach a Level 3 proficiency level, which is pretty fluent by most standards.
The four categories include languages closely related to English (I), moderately difficult languages that still use the Latin writing system (II), languages with significant differences from English (III) and languages which are exceptionally difficult for English speakers and use difficult non-Latin writing systems (IV).
Category I languages are closely related to English, so many of the same grammar rules and similar vocabulary apply. Though German is in the same family as English, its nuanced pronunciation gives it a higher difficulty level than other Germanic languages and place it in Category II. Many languages in Category III do not use the Latin writing system, which contributes to longer learning times.
The hardest languages to learn are ranked as Category IV because they’re deeply nuanced, with complex grammar and pronunciation rules. These languages all have writing systems foreign to speakers of English. Some of them, such as Japanese, have multiple writing systems.
The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) is the US government's primary training institute for employees in the foreign affairs community. Its responsibilities include preparing diplomats and other officials to advance US foreign interests overseas. Given that this list was formulated by the FSI, it is important to note that some language students or experts may disagree with the ranking.