Here are some possible interpretations of "hard-target language":
* A language considered challenging to learn for speakers of a specific language: This could refer to languages with very different grammar, pronunciation, or writing systems than the learner's native language. For example, English speakers might consider Chinese or Japanese to be "hard-target languages" due to their tonal systems and complex writing systems.
* A language with specific vocabulary and grammar that is difficult to learn: This could refer to technical jargon, specialized vocabulary, or complex grammatical structures used in specific fields or professions. For example, a lawyer might find the legal terminology of another language to be a "hard-target language," even if they are fluent in the general language.
* A language that is difficult to acquire naturally: This could refer to languages that are not widely spoken or used in a learner's environment. For example, a speaker of English who is living in a predominantly English-speaking country might find it challenging to learn a rare language like Guarani, even if it's not inherently difficult.
If you can provide more context about where you encountered the term "hard-target language," I can offer a more specific explanation.