Author: Anna Mylona
It is undeniable that dealing with languages is a difficult hobby with many demands, which of course over the years learning them reaps great benefits that contribute to your personal development and become part of our character.Some of the most difficult languages that are famous for their complexity are Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Hungarian, of course for those who do not have it as a native language. This is due to their different nature and the fact that they have a different alphabet and font from the rest of the languages but they also differ in their spoken language so that one can reach the level of being able to speak them fluently.I will list below some of the reasons why they are considered difficult and some tips that will help you in learning them if you decide to start learning one of these languages.
Chinese:
I think all people especially when we talk about people who are not from China when we think about which language is the most difficult, the first thing that comes to mind is Chinese.This is because it is very different from European languages which are based on emphasis and rhythm.Every word in Chinese can mean something completely different just because we have changed the tone.For a European this can seem very difficult as it is like learning how to speak and sing at the same time.Moreover The symbols are countless and this makes it almost impossible to memorize them all.
A little advice: Try to familiarize yourself with the spoken language first as as I said before it is the tones that might make it more difficult.You can do this by listening to songs if it helps you or even by watching movies that are in Chines language.
Arabic:
Arabic is a language that is radically different from our everyday experience. One of the first challenges I encountered was that the writing is from right to left, which I found strange and difficult at first. On top of that, the letters change shape depending on their position in the word and the absence of vowels in the texts makes reading a challenge. Every time I tried to read a sentence, it was like solving a little puzzle.
What really impressed me is Arabic grammar. There are forms for the singular, plural and even the binary number, which adds depth to the structure of the sentence. This complexity scared me at first, but over time I realized that the way Arabs structure their thinking has a lot to do with how they see the world.
Tip: If you want to learn Arabic, I suggest you start with writing and familiarizing yourself with the sounds. Daily contact with the language, even through music or movies, helps a lot.
Japanese:
Japanese is a language that made me understand the value of patience. It consists of three different alphabets: kanji, hiragana and katakana. Kanji are Chinese characters, while the other two alphabets are phonetic and used for different purposes. So, to be able to write fluently, one has to know all three systems, which seems like a huge undertaking.
In addition, Japanese relies heavily on the social context and relationships between speakers. The choice of words and expressions depends on the social level of the interlocutor, which gives a special complexity to the language. This sensitivity taught me the value of respecting context and adapting to social circumstances.
Tip: Start with hiragana and katakana, which are easier, and gradually add kanji. Exposure to Japanese media such as series and anime helps in understanding the language.
Hungarian:
When I first heard about Hungarian, I was struck by its complexity. The language has 18 falls – which for someone who speaks languages with few falls is a challenge. Also, words are formed based on vowel harmony, something I have not come across in any other language. Each word must have vowels that match sonically, which adds another rule to the already difficult system.
The diversity of Hungarian vocabulary is another issue that slows progress, as their words have little in common with most European languages. But the more you understand this language, the more you learn about Hungarian culture and the history of the region.
Tip: Break the grammar into small chunks and master each fall gradually. Practicing with native speakers is especially helpful for improvement.
Challenges or Opportunities?
In conclusion, I would like to mention that although it seems impossible to learn these languages, learning them is rewarded by the skills one acquires by learning them, such as discipline and the acquisition of new ways of thinking. These languages are not just means of communication; they are pathways that open our horizons and invite us to connect more deeply with different cultures. For those who are ready to dive into such an experience, every step and every effort will be an occasion for personal and spiritual growth.
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