Written by Gabriela Estrada

Is there really a language that learns faster? Or does it all depend on effort, hours spent and exposure? Some Hispanics say that learning English is easier and faster, because of its simple structure, others say it is French, because of its similarity to Spanish, and there are those who surprise us with their ability to memorize the grammar of Arabic or Mandarin Chinese. How many hours does each language require to speak it faster?

Today we will compare English, French, Arabic and Mandarin Chinese to find out which one is learned faster, based on estimated figures from the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and common practical experiences. Read with me to the end and draw your own conclusions based on your language goals. Let's get started!

Spanish speakers and second language learning

English: 

For a native Spanish speaker, English can be faster to learn initially, thanks to its simple grammar and its widespread presence in everyday life (music, movies, technology, etc.). In addition, Anglicisms and words with similar roots facilitate vocabulary. 

According to the FSI, it is estimated that to reach a professional level in English it takes between 600 to 750 hours of continuous study. If you dedicate about 10 hours a weekper week, this would be equivalent to approximately 1 year and a half of learning.

French: 

On the other hand, French shares Latin roots with Spanish, which makes many words familiar to Spanish speakers. However, aspects such as pronunciation and more complex grammatical rules (such as verb tenses and accents) may require more practice and effort. The estimated time to master French is also in the range of 600 to 750 hoursbut may vary depending on the dedication of the student.

Arabic and Mandarin Chinese: 

For languages such as Arabic or Mandarin Chinese, the FSI estimates that up to 2,200 hours of study. This would represent about 4 years and 2 monthsassuming a dedication of 10 hours per weekgiven the level of grammatical complexity and the completely different writing.

Difficulties in learning Mandarin Chinese and Arabic

Based on their characteristics, we have that both languages have:

• Different writing systemsMandarin Mandarin Chinese uses hanzi, logographic characters representing words or concepts, which requires memorizing thousands of symbols. On the other hand, the Arabic uses an alphabet that is read from right to left, with letters that change according to their position in the word and without writing the short vowels, which complicates reading for beginners.
• Complex grammar: Mandarin Mandarin lacks conjugations and genders, but includes tones that alter the meaning of words. The Arabicon the other hand, has grammatical cases and triconsonantal roots to form words, with irregular rules in verbs and plurals.
• Difficult pronunciationChinese features unique sounds and tonal pronunciation, while Arabic includes guttural sounds, such as "ع" (ayn) and "خ" (khaa), which require training of the mouth muscles.
• Cultural context and exposureBoth languages are strongly tied to their cultures, with idiomatic expressions and references that are difficult to interpret. In addition, the lack of accessible content in Spanish makes exposure to Mandarin and Arabic more limited than that of English.

In conclusion, learning these languages requires dedication and specific strategies, however, with practice and immersion it is possible to overcome their challenges.

The English and French have a more accessible writing style for Spanish speakers and a greater presence in studies and work, which makes them more effective and faster to learn.

Learn English and French with Planeta Immiland

Planeta Immiland is the first language school for immigration purposes in Canada. Our classes focus on your two official languages: English and French. We know that learning a language, whatever it is, takes time. It is not just a matter of investing in a certain amount of hours, but of taking advantage of them strategically so as not to abandon the language due to feelings of frustration. Below, I want to share some keys that work to make progress in the language.

Keys to avoid getting frustrated along the way

1. Define clear and achievable goalsBreak your learning into small goals, such as having a basic conversation or watching movies with subtitles.
2. Organize your timeDedicate at least 1 hour a day to study, combining theory and practice.
3. Enjoy the processLearn while exploring new cultures and ways of thinking.
4. Be patient and constantThink that each small step brings you closer to your goal.

In our academy, we offer intensive courses that allow you to advance each level in 4 weeksor more flexible programs for students with a built language base.

If you are looking for accelerated learning with personalized support, don't hesitate to explore our English and French courses at Planeta Immiland Education.

I hope this topic has been of interest to you and start preparing for your new language soon! 

Thanks for reading, see you in the next blog!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education