Comments on: Which Language should one learn?

By: Marta

Marta — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:35:04 +0000

Well, I'm afraid I have to disagree with you in this point. I consider learning fus'ha arabic much more apropriate than any kind of dialect, as you can be understood everywhere you go to, and you can understand as well written language and the news.
After all, you can always learn dialects in a more informal way while being in contact with arabic native speakers. They all tend to be very kind and helpful, and appreciate the effort of learning their language!

By: KirstenWinkler

KirstenWinkler — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:00:21 +0000

Thank you for the great comment

By: languagelearner

languagelearner — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:54:10 +0000

I suggest you learn how to write the language's name first before starting to learn it – Portuguese, not 'portugese' [sic].

By: KirstenWinkler

KirstenWinkler — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:57:41 +0000

Oui, oui. Les Quebecois

Living in China must be really exciting. I envy you already. Are you planing to work there? Or just enjoying your stay.

By: sandrine83

sandrine83 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:49:40 +0000

Oh, and I thought you were from the US because you said :

“With Spanish you will basically cover the rest of South and Middle America. If you add your English skills you can travel from Alaska to Fireland and speak with everyone you meet in between.”

I had the feeling you were an American who wanted to explore the entire continent. Sorry, my mistake.
Plus there is a small mistake since in Quebec 8 million people speak French. They would be quite mad you said that. hehe!

By: sandrine83

sandrine83 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:41:16 +0000

I like the idea of being a world citizen too! I am French but I studied in the US and in Canada (where I now live). I also lived in Ecuador for 2 years and my husband (who is Ecuadorian) and I are planning on moving to China for at least a year or two… We really hope we'll be able to learn at least the basics! Wish us good luck!

By: KirstenWinkler

KirstenWinkler — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:17:57 +0000

Really? Well, I am from Germany but I live in France for about 4 years now . I see myself more as “world citizen”.

This list was more from an economic point of view. Of course, French is still a lingua franca but looking at the future economic powerhouses on the globe I would personally decide like I wrote in my post.

And thank you for the list of French speaking countries.

By: sandrine83

sandrine83 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:46:15 +0000

List of countries where French is an official language (+ population) :

World 356,955,387
1. Democratic Republic of the Congo Africa 66,514,506
2. France Europe 65,057,790
3. Canada North America 33,212,696
4. Madagascar Africa 20,042,551
5. Cameroon Africa 18,467,692
6. Côte d'Ivoire Africa 18,373,060
7. Burkina Faso Africa 15,264,735
8. Niger Africa 13,272,679
9. Senegal Africa 12,853,259
10. Mali Africa 12,324,029
11. Belgium Europe 10,403,951
12. Guinea Africa 10,211,437
13. Chad Africa 10,111,337
14. Haiti North America 8,924,553
15. Burundi Africa 8,691,005
16. Benin Africa 8,294,941
17. Switzerland Europe 7,581,520
18. Togo Africa 5,858,673
19. Central African Republic Africa 4,434,873
20. Republic of the Congo Africa 3,903,318
21. Gabon Africa 1,485,832
22. Comoros Africa 731,775
23. Equatorial Guinea Africa 616,459
24. Djibouti Africa 506,221
25. Luxembourg Europe 486,006
26. Vanuatu Oceania 215,446
27. Seychelles Africa 82,247
28. Monaco Europe 32,796

List of countries where French is commonly used but not official (+ population) :

1. Morocco Africa 34,343,219
2. Algeria Africa 33,769,669
3. Tunisia Africa 10,383,577
4. Rwanda Africa 10,186,063
5. Lebanon Asia 4,088,941
6. Mauritania Africa 3,364,940
7. Mauritius Africa 1,274,189
8. Andorra Europe 72,413

French is also one of the official languages of the United Nations.

Something tells me you are from the USA. If you are, start with Spanish, which is not a foreign language anymore in your country. Then, I would definitely learn Chinese and French as my third and fourth languages.

By: HilaryChapman

HilaryChapman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:48:18 +0000

I'm surprised nmot to see Esaperanto here. Esperanto is a relatively young language, of course. Have you learned it?

By: Mata

Mata — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:23:46 +0000

I agree Spanish it's one of the most important language to learn. I recommend spanishpod.com the best online service. Fun , short, and useful lessons.