For English speakers, these languages are generally considered challenging:
* Arabic: Right-to-left writing, complex grammar, and unfamiliar sounds.
* Japanese: Three writing systems (hiragana, katakana, kanji), complex grammar, and honorifics.
* Korean: Complex grammar, different writing system (Hangul), and unfamiliar sounds.
* Mandarin Chinese: Tones, unfamiliar sounds, different writing system (characters), and a vast vocabulary.
* Hungarian: Complex grammar, vowel harmony, and unfamiliar sounds.
* Finnish: Complex grammar, unfamiliar sounds, and a rich vocabulary.
Why these languages are hard:
* Writing systems: Learning new scripts can be time-consuming and challenging.
* Sounds: Some languages have sounds that don't exist in English, which can be difficult to pronounce.
* Grammar: Complex grammar rules, word order, and verb conjugation can be tough to master.
* Vocabulary: Some languages have large vocabularies and many words don't translate directly from English.
* Cultural context: Understanding cultural nuances and social expectations is important for communication.
Factors that influence difficulty:
* Prior language learning experience: If you've learned other languages, you may have an advantage.
* Motivation and dedication: The more effort you put in, the faster you'll learn.
* Learning style: Some people learn best through immersion, others through textbooks.
* Exposure to the language: Living in a country where the language is spoken will accelerate learning.
Ultimately, the "hardest" language is the one you find most challenging based on your individual learning style and goals.