Jay Hirshberg on Learning a New Language: Choosing a Language to Study

Jay Hirshberg has studied a number of languages and understands the particular challenges each poses. Most people choose a second language based on personal factors, such as family history or interest in the culture. Yet for people who want to learn a new vernacular but feel doubtful about which to select, Hirshberg provides some tips based on his experiences.

Jay Hirshberg notes that most individuals turn to the concept of usefulness when deciding which language to learn. The definition of usefulness, however, varies depending on the context. The number of people in the world that speak the language is one measure Hirshberg sees frequently, but that criterion is not always the most important factor. For instance, learning Mandarin Chinese with no intention of ever traveling to China may not make practical sense. Hirshberg suggests another way to look at usefulness, which often proves more appropriate: Determine the likelihood that the one will utilize the language on a regular or semiregular basis.

Another key consideration Jay Hirshberg highlights is that, in general, individuals who speak more languages encounter less difficulty in picking up new ones. Therefore, for people who only speak English, Hirshberg recommends starting with a related language that shares common words, all other factors being equal. He cites French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Italian as popular choices in this category.

In addition, Jay Hirshberg suggests examining the relative difficulty of the language. Complex grammatical structures that vary significantly from English can be hard for native English speakers to master. Nonintuitive or inconsistent spellings also create challenges. Hirshberg counsels beginning language learners to choose a tongue with sounds similar to English, so pronunciation does not become a stumbling block.

Finally, the impact of the new vernacular on job prospects can help with decision making. Jay Hirshberg recommends looking at the languages favored by employers in one’s home area, or beneficial to an individual’s desired career path. Any language that offers a competitive advantage makes a good choice, because studying the vernacular can be more enjoyable, and the knowledge may lead to long-term benefits for the learner.