* Your native language: Speakers of languages with similar grammar and structure will find it easier to learn languages with similar features.
* Your learning style: Some people are better at learning languages by listening, others by reading, and still others by speaking. Different languages cater to different learning styles.
* Your motivation and dedication: Any language can be challenging if you don't put in the effort to learn it.
* The specific language features: Languages differ in their grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, writing systems, etc. Some features might be more difficult for you than others.
However, some languages are generally considered more challenging for English speakers due to:
* Complex grammar: Languages like Hungarian, Finnish, and Arabic have complex grammatical rules that can be challenging for English speakers to master.
* Tonal pronunciation: Languages like Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Vietnamese use tones to differentiate words, which can be difficult to learn.
* Non-Latin writing systems: Languages like Japanese, Korean, and Arabic use non-Latin scripts, which can be a significant learning curve for speakers of Latin-based languages.
* Limited resources: Some languages may have fewer learning resources available, making it more difficult to find materials and support.
Instead of focusing on "the hardest language," it's more helpful to consider:
* Your personal interests: What languages do you find interesting or useful?
* Your goals: What do you want to achieve by learning a language?
* Your learning resources: Do you have access to classes, tutors, or other learning materials?
Ultimately, the "hardest" language for you will depend on your individual circumstances and the effort you are willing to put in.