Mandarin Chinese:
* Tonal Language: This is perhaps the biggest hurdle for English speakers. Mandarin has four tones, and the meaning of a word changes completely depending on the tone.
* Writing System: Chinese uses characters, which can be quite challenging to learn. There are thousands of characters to memorize, and the system of radicals (components of characters) is complex.
* Grammar: While simplified, Mandarin grammar still presents challenges. Verb conjugation is different from English, and word order can be confusing.
French:
* Pronunciation: French pronunciation is notoriously difficult for English speakers. There are many silent letters and nasal sounds that are unfamiliar.
* Grammar: French grammar is notoriously complex, with many different verb tenses and grammatical genders.
* Vocabulary: While there are many cognates (words shared with English), there are also many false cognates (words that look similar but have different meanings).
Factors to Consider:
* Your Learning Style: Some people are better at learning languages with visual aids (like characters), while others prefer auditory learning (like pronunciation).
* Your Motivation: Ultimately, your success in learning either language will depend on how motivated you are to learn it.
* Your Exposure: If you have any exposure to either language, it will make it easier to learn.
In Conclusion:
There is no easy answer. Both Mandarin Chinese and French present unique challenges. Ultimately, the best language for you to learn will depend on your individual learning style, motivation, and goals.