12 Most Difficult Languages To Learn

12 Most Difficult Languages to Learn: A Deep Dive into Linguistic Challenges and Rewards

Author: Dr. Anya Petrova, PhD in Linguistics, Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in language acquisition and multilingualism. Dr. Petrova has published extensively on language learning methodologies and cross-cultural communication.

Keywords: 12 most difficult languages to learn, difficult languages, language learning, language acquisition, linguistic challenges, language complexity, multilingualism, language learning difficulties, hardest languages to learn.

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP). OUP is a renowned academic publisher with a long-standing reputation for high-quality scholarship in linguistics, language education, and related fields. Their publications are widely respected for their rigor and accuracy.

Editor: Dr. Ben Carter, MA in Linguistics, PhD in Second Language Acquisition, Senior Editor at Oxford University Press specializing in language learning and pedagogy.

Introduction:

The quest to learn a new language is a rewarding endeavor, opening doors to new cultures, opportunities, and perspectives. However, the difficulty of learning a language varies significantly. This article examines the twelve most difficult languages to learn for native English speakers, analyzing the specific linguistic features that contribute to their complexity. While acknowledging the inherent subjectivity in ranking language difficulty, we’ll explore the challenges and the potential rewards associated with mastering these linguistically demanding languages. Understanding what makes these languages in the "12 most difficult languages to learn" list challenging can equip learners with strategies for effective acquisition.

H1: The 12 Most Difficult Languages to Learn: A Ranked List (with caveats)

It's crucial to preface this list by stating that the difficulty of learning a language is subjective and depends on various factors, including the learner's native language, prior language learning experience, learning style, motivation, and immersion opportunities. The following list offers a general consensus based on factors like grammar complexity, pronunciation challenges, and script differences, focusing primarily on the challenges for native English speakers:

1. Mandarin Chinese: The tonal nature of Mandarin, along with its complex character system (thousands of characters to memorize), and grammatical structures significantly different from English, make it a formidable challenge. Finding consistent learning resources tailored to the specific challenges of native English speakers is another hurdle. Part of the reason it's one of the 12 most difficult languages to learn is the sheer volume of characters.

2. Arabic: The right-to-left script, complex grammar, and vastly different phonology present significant hurdles. The richness of Arabic dialects also adds complexity, making standard Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) challenging to master, particularly for written comprehension.

3. Japanese: Japanese boasts three writing systems (hiragana, katakana, and kanji), a complex grammar structure with honorifics that require a deep understanding of social context, and a distinctly different phonological system compared to English. Mastering the 12 most difficult languages to learn often requires a high level of commitment.

4. Korean: While the Korean alphabet (Hangul) is relatively easy to learn, the complex grammar structure, numerous honorifics, and significant differences in sentence structure compared to English present challenges. It ranks high in the 12 most difficult languages to learn due to this complex grammatical framework.

5. Hungarian: Hungarian has a highly agglutinative grammar, meaning that numerous suffixes are added to words to convey grammatical relations, resulting in long and complex word forms. Its unique phonology also adds to the difficulty.

6. Finnish: Similar to Hungarian, Finnish has a highly agglutinative grammar with a complex system of vowel harmony and consonant gradation. The grammatical structure differs dramatically from English, making it tough for many native English speakers.

7. Russian: The Cyrillic alphabet, complex grammar with six cases, and challenging pronunciation, particularly with consonant clusters, make Russian a challenging language to learn. It's commonly featured in lists of the 12 most difficult languages to learn.

8. Polish: Polish possesses a complex grammatical system with seven cases, a challenging pronunciation system, and numerous irregular verbs, making it a linguistically demanding undertaking.

9. Czech: Similar to Polish, Czech has a highly complex grammar with seven cases and a challenging sound system, requiring consistent practice and immersion.

10. Swahili: While its grammar may seem simpler than those above, Swahili's tone and pronunciation can be challenging for non-native speakers. Also, many aspects of the culture are quite different. This contributes to the difficulty of Swahili being one of the 12 most difficult languages to learn.

11. Icelandic: Icelandic has unique grammatical features, including a complex system of inflection and verb conjugations and many archaic grammatical structures.

12. Navajo: Navajo, a Native American language, has an extremely complex verb system, with verbs often containing embedded information that would be expressed with separate words or phrases in other languages. Its unique phonology and grammar often place it among the 12 most difficult languages to learn.

H2: Challenges in Learning the 12 Most Difficult Languages to Learn

The difficulties in learning these languages are multifaceted:

Unfamiliar writing systems: Learning new alphabets (Cyrillic, Arabic script, Japanese Kanji) requires significant time and effort.
Complex grammar: Highly agglutinative languages, those with numerous cases, or complex verb conjugations require a deep understanding of grammatical rules.
Tonal languages: Mandarin Chinese, for example, relies heavily on tone, and a slight change in tone can drastically alter the meaning of a word.
Pronunciation: Many of these languages possess sounds that don't exist in English, requiring learners to develop new articulatory skills.
Lack of resources: Finding high-quality learning materials and opportunities for immersion can be a challenge for some of these less commonly taught languages.

H3: Opportunities and Rewards of Mastering the 12 Most Difficult Languages to Learn

Despite the challenges, mastering one of the 12 most difficult languages to learn offers considerable benefits:

Enhanced cognitive abilities: Research suggests that language learning, particularly of challenging languages, can improve cognitive function and memory.
Career advancement: Fluency in these languages can open doors to various career opportunities, particularly in international business, diplomacy, and research.
Cultural immersion: Gaining fluency allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures associated with these languages.
Personal fulfillment: Overcoming the challenge of learning a difficult language is a rewarding experience, boosting self-confidence and providing a strong sense of accomplishment.

H4: Strategies for Successful Language Acquisition

Success in learning any language, especially those in the 12 most difficult languages to learn category, requires a strategic approach:

Consistent practice: Regular study and use of the language are essential.
Immersion: Surrounding oneself with the language through travel, conversation partners, or media consumption accelerates learning.
Structured learning: Using a well-structured curriculum and reliable learning resources is crucial.
Focus on all skills: Developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) is crucial for fluency.
Seek feedback: Regular feedback from native speakers helps identify and correct errors.

Conclusion:

Learning one of the 12 most difficult languages to learn is undoubtedly challenging, but the rewards are immense. By understanding the specific linguistic challenges, employing effective learning strategies, and maintaining a persistent approach, learners can achieve fluency and reap the numerous personal and professional benefits of multilingualism. The journey may be demanding, but the destination is profoundly rewarding.

FAQs:

1. What is the easiest language for an English speaker to learn? Generally, languages closely related to English, such as Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, and Spanish, are considered easier for English speakers due to shared vocabulary and grammar similarities.

2. Are there any apps that can help me learn these difficult languages? Yes, several language learning apps, such as Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone, offer courses in many of these languages, but they are not a replacement for formal instruction and immersion.

3. How long does it typically take to become fluent in one of these languages? Fluency in any language takes time and effort; expect at least 2-3 years of dedicated study, though some might take significantly longer, depending on the individual and the language.

4. Is it possible to learn these languages without formal instruction? While possible, formal instruction provides structure, feedback, and a systematic approach, significantly accelerating the learning process.

5. What are the best resources for learning these difficult languages? Resources vary depending on the language, but university programs, language exchange programs, immersion courses, and online platforms are excellent choices.

6. What is the role of cultural understanding in language learning? Understanding the cultural context of a language is crucial for effective communication and fluency. It provides insight into appropriate social interactions and enhances comprehension.

7. How can I find a language partner? Online language exchange platforms, local language groups, and university language departments are all good places to find language partners.

8. Is there a correlation between difficulty and usefulness of a language? Not necessarily. While some less common languages are difficult to learn, they can be valuable in specific fields or regions.

9. How can I maintain my fluency after reaching a high level? Continuous practice through reading, writing, listening to media, and interacting with native speakers is key for maintaining fluency.

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2. "Beyond Grammar: The Role of Culture in Second Language Acquisition": This article examines the importance of cultural understanding in successful language learning.

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12 most difficult languages to learn: The Way of the Linguist Steve Kaufmann, 2005-11 The Way of The Linguist, A language learning odyssey. It is now a cliché that the world is a smaller place. We think nothing of jumping on a plane to travel to another country or continent. The most exotic locations are now destinations for mass tourism. Small business people are dealing across frontiers and language barriers like never before. The Internet brings different languages and cultures to our finger-tips. English, the hybrid language of an island at the western extremity of Europe seems to have an unrivalled position as an international medium of communication. But historically periods of cultural and economic domination have never lasted forever. Do we not lose something by relying on the wide spread use of English rather than discovering other languages and cultures? As citizens of this shrunken world, would we not be better off if we were able to speak a few languages other than our own? The answer is obviously yes. Certainly Steve Kaufmann thinks so, and in his busy life as a diplomat and businessman he managed to learn to speak nine languages fluently and observe first hand some of the dominant cultures of Europe and Asia. Why do not more people do the same? In his book The Way of The Linguist, A language learning odyssey, Steve offers some answers. Steve feels anyone can learn a language if they want to. He points out some of the obstacles that hold people back. Drawing on his adventures in Europe and Asia, as a student and businessman, he describes the rewards that come from knowing languages. He relates his evolution as a language learner, abroad and back in his native Canada and explains the kind of attitude that will enable others to achieve second language fluency. Many people have taken on the challenge of language learning but have been frustrated by their lack of success. This book offers detailed advice on the kind of study practices that will achieve language breakthroughs. Steve has developed a language learning system available online at: www.thelinguist.com.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Fluent Forever Gabriel Wyner, 2014-08-05 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • For anyone who wants to learn a foreign language, this is the method that will finally make the words stick. “A brilliant and thoroughly modern guide to learning new languages.”—Gary Marcus, cognitive psychologist and author of the New York Times bestseller Guitar Zero At thirty years old, Gabriel Wyner speaks six languages fluently. He didn’t learn them in school—who does? Rather, he learned them in the past few years, working on his own and practicing on the subway, using simple techniques and free online resources—and here he wants to show others what he’s discovered. Starting with pronunciation, you’ll learn how to rewire your ears and turn foreign sounds into familiar sounds. You’ll retrain your tongue to produce those sounds accurately, using tricks from opera singers and actors. Next, you’ll begin to tackle words, and connect sounds and spellings to imagery rather than translations, which will enable you to think in a foreign language. And with the help of sophisticated spaced-repetition techniques, you’ll be able to memorize hundreds of words a month in minutes every day. This is brain hacking at its most exciting, taking what we know about neuroscience and linguistics and using it to create the most efficient and enjoyable way to learn a foreign language in the spare minutes of your day.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Hacking Chinese Olle Linge, 2016-03-26 Learning Chinese can be frustrating and difficult, partly because it's very different from European languages. Following a teacher, textbook or language course is not enough. They show you the characters, words and grammar you need to become proficient in Chinese, but they don't teach you how to learn them! Regardless of what program you're in (if any), you need to take responsibility for your own learning. If you don't, you will miss many important things that aren't included in the course you're taking. If you study on your own, you need to be even more aware of what you need to do, what you're doing at the moment and the difference between them. Here are some of the questions I have asked and have since been asked many times by students: How do I learn characters efficiently? How do I get the most out of my course or teacher? Which are the best learning tools and resources? How can I become fluent in Mandarin? How can I improve my pronunciation? How do I learn successfully on my own? How can I motivate myself to study more? How can I fit learning Chinese into a busy schedule? The answers I've found to these questions and many others form the core of this book. It took eight years of learning, researching, teaching and writing to figure these things out. Not everybody has the time to do that! I can't go back in time and help myself learn in a better way, but I can help you! This book is meant for normal students and independent language learners alike. While it covers all major areas of learning, you won't learn Chinese just by reading this book. It's like when someone on TV teaches you how to cook: you won't get to eat the delicious dish just by watching the program; you have to do the cooking yourself. That's true for this book as well. When you apply what you learn, it will boost your learning, making every hour you spend count for more, but you still have to do the learning yourself. This is what a few readers have said about the book: The book had me nodding at a heap of things I'd learnt the hard way, wishing I knew them when I started, as well as highlighting areas that I'm currently missing in my study. - Geoff van der Meer, VP engineering This publication is like a bible for anyone serious about Chinese proficiency. It's easy for anyone to read and written with scientific precision. - Zachary Danz, foreign teacher, children's theatre artist About me I started learning Chinese when I was 23 (that's more than eight years ago now) and have since studied in many different situations, including serious immersion programs abroad, high-intensity programs in Sweden, online courses, as well as on the side while working or studying other things. I have also successfully used my Chinese in a graduate program for teaching Chinese as a second language, taught entirely in Chinese mostly for native speakers (the Graduate Institute for Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at National Taiwan Normal University). All these parts have contributed to my website, Hacking Chinese, where I write regularly about how to learn Mandarin.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Linguistic Simplicity and Complexity John H. McWhorter, 2011 This series offers a wide forum for work on contact linguistics, using an integrated approach to both diachronic and synchronic manifestations of contact, ranging from social and individual aspects to structural-typological issues. Topics covered by the series include child and adult bilingualism and multilingualism, contact languages, borrowing and contact-induced typological change, code switching in conversation, societal multilingualism, bilingual language processing, and various other topics related to language contact. The series does not have a fixed theoretical orientation, and includes contributions from a variety of approaches.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Polyglot: How I Learn Languages Kat— Lomb, 2008-01-01 KAT LOMB (1909-2003) was one of the great polyglots of the 20th century. A translator and one of the first simultaneous interpreters in the world, Lomb worked in 16 languages for state and business concerns in her native Hungary. She achieved further fame by writing books on languages, interpreting, and polyglots. Polyglot: How I Learn Languages, first published in 1970, is a collection of anecdotes and reflections on language learning. Because Dr. Lomb learned her languages as an adult, after getting a PhD in chemistry, the methods she used will be of particular interest to adult learners who want to master a foreign language.
12 most difficult languages to learn: An easy grammar mrs. Capp, 1866
12 most difficult languages to learn: Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks Wendy Laura Belcher, 2009-01-20 This book provides you with all the tools you need to write an excellent academic article and get it published.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Fluent in 3 Months Benny Lewis, 2014-03-11 Benny Lewis, who speaks over ten languages—all self-taught—runs the largest language-learning blog in the world, Fluent In 3 Months. Lewis is a full-time language hacker, someone who devotes all of his time to finding better, faster, and more efficient ways to learn languages. Fluent in 3 Months: How Anyone at Any Age Can Learn to Speak Any Language from Anywhere in the World is a new blueprint for fast language learning. Lewis argues that you don't need a great memory or the language gene to learn a language quickly, and debunks a number of long-held beliefs, such as adults not being as good of language learners as children.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Homographs & Heteronyms Remedia Publications, 2021-12-22 Grade Level: 4-6 Making sense of multiple-meaning words. The 25 lessons in this book are designed to give students plenty of practice recognizing and using homographs and heteronyms in written and oral communication. Activities ranging from matching meanings to completing sentences work to stimulate awareness of the multiple meanings a single word can have and how pronunciation changes the meaning of like words. Example: - They tied a BOW on the present. - Robin Hood used a BOW and arrows. - The star came on stage to take a BOW. Exercises increase in difficulty as students progress. A list of homographs not used in the lessons is included so teachers can design their own activities.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Elementary Korean Ross King, Jaehoon Yeon, 2000 Elementary Korean offers a complete, systematic and streamlined first-year course in Korean for the English-speaking adult learner.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Learn French: Must-Know French Slang Words & Phrases Innovative Language Learning, FrenchPod101.com, 2019-04-29 Do you want to learn French the fast, fun and easy way? And do you want to master daily conversations and speak like a native? Then this is the book for you. Learn French: Must-Know French Slang Words & Phrases by FrenchPod101 is designed for Beginner-level learners. You learn the top 100 must-know slang words and phrases that are used in everyday speech. All were hand-picked by our team of French teachers and experts. Here’s how the lessons work: • Every Lesson is Based on a Theme • You Learn Slang Words or Phrases Related to That Theme • Check the Translation & Explanation on How to Use Each One And by the end, you will have mastered 100+ French Slang Words & phrases!
12 most difficult languages to learn: The Power Of Babel John McWhorter, 2011-04-30 There can be few subjects of such widespread interest and fascination to anyone who reads as the strange ways of languages. In this wonderfully entertaining and fascinating book, John McWhorter introduces us to 'the natural history of language': from Russonorsk, a creole of Russian and Norwegian once spoken by trading fur trappers to an Australian Aboriginal language which only has three verbs. Witty, brilliant and authoritative, this book is a must for anyone who is interested in language, as sheerly enjoyable as non-fiction gets.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Learn Filipino: Must-Know Filipino Slang Words & Phrases Innovative Language Learning, FilipinoPod101.com, Do you want to learn Filipino the fast, fun and easy way? And do you want to master daily conversations and speak like a native? Then this is the book for you. Learn Filipino: Must-Know Filipino Slang Words & Phrases by FilipinoPod101 is designed for Beginner-level learners. You learn the top 100 must-know slang words and phrases that are used in everyday speech. All were hand-picked by our team of Filipino teachers and experts. Here’s how the lessons work: • Every Lesson is Based on a Theme • You Learn Slang Words or Phrases Related to That Theme • Check the Translation & Explanation on How to Use Each One And by the end, you will have mastered 100+ Filipino Slang Words & phrases!
12 most difficult languages to learn: The Whole-Brain Child Tina Payne Bryson, Daniel Siegel, 2012-08-16 In this pioneering, practical book for parents, neuroscientist Daniel J. Siegel and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson explain the new science of how a child's brain is wired and how it matures. Different parts of a child's brain develop at different speeds and understanding these differences can help you turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child's brain and raise calmer, happier children. Featuring clear explanations, age-appropriate strategies and illustrations that will help you explain these concepts to your child, The Whole-Brain Child will help your children to lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives using twelve key strategies, including: Name It to Tame It: Corral raging right-brain behavior through left-brain storytelling, appealing to the left brain's affinity for words and reasoning to calm emotional storms and bodily tension. Engage, Don't Enrage: Keep your child thinking and listening, instead of purely reacting. Move It or Lose It: Use physical activities to shift your child's emotional state. Let the Clouds of Emotion Roll By: Guide your children when they are stuck on a negative emotion, and help them understand that feelings come and go. SIFT: Help children pay attention to the Sensations, Images, Feelings, and Thoughts within them so that they can make better decisions and be more flexible. Connect Through Conflict: Use discord to encourage empathy and greater social success.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Medieval and Modern Greek Robert Browning, 1983 Traces the history of the Greek language from the immediately postclassical or Hellenistic period to the present day. In particular, the historical roots of modern Greek internal bilingualism are traced. First published by Hutchinson in 1969, the work has been substantially revised and updated.
12 most difficult languages to learn: HINDI RICHARD. SNELL, SIMON WEIGHTMAN., 2000
12 most difficult languages to learn: Southern China & Hong Kong Insight Guides, 2007 From the South China Sea to the Himalayas, Southern China is explored in stunning, full-color photography and lively essays. Comprehensive hotel and restaurant listings, along with cross-referenced maps and floor plans, provide a complete coverage of must-see sights.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Start With Why Simon Sinek, 2011-10-06 THE MILLION-COPY GLOBAL BESTSELLER - BASED ON THE LIFE-CHANGING TED TALK! DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE WITH ONE SIMPLE QUESTION: WHY? 'One of the most incredible thinkers of our time; someone who has influenced the way I think and act every day' Steven Bartlett, investor, BBC Dragon and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast ***** Why are some people more inventive, pioneering and successful than others? And why are they able to repeat their success again and again? Because it doesn't matter what you do, it matters WHY you do it. Those who have had the greatest influence in the world all think, act, and communicate in the same way - and it's the opposite to most. In Start with Why, Simon Sinek uncovers the fundamental secret of their success. How you lead, inspire, live, it all starts with why. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: 'It's amazing how a book can change the course of your life, and this book did that.' 'Imagine the Ted Talk expanded to 2 hours long, with more depth, intrigue and examples.' 'What he does brilliantly is demonstrate his own why - to inspire others - throughout.'
12 most difficult languages to learn: Breaking the Sound Barrier Steve Smith, Gianfranco Conti, 2019-08 Breaking the Sound Barrier: Teaching Language Leaners How to Listen.To cite use Conti and Smith (2019).This book is for language teachers who want to help their students become more effective listeners. It focuses on the processes involved in aural comprehension, blending the latest research evidence with over 200 engaging listening activities, as well as lots of useful practical classroom ideas and lesson sequences.Chapters include the principles of listening as modelling, developing phonological and lexical retrieval skills, grammatical parsing, interpersonal and task-based listening. There are also chapters on how to make the most of songs, cognitive and metacognitive strategies, assessment and preparing for examinations. The final chapter offers a framework for language teachers or departments who wish to develop a strategy for improved listening. The book aims to place listening at the forefront of lesson planning.Gianfranco and Steve have around 60 years of classroom experience between them and a track record of offering instantly usable, low-preparation activities for the classroom, supported by second language acquisition research. Their handbook The Language Teacher Toolkit is already widely used around the world. Too often, classroom listening is neglected by teachers and a source of fear for learners; how can we make it a successful and enjoyable experience for all? This book is truly unique in its genre, in proposing a different and more impactful answer to this question. We sincerely hope you enjoy it.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Conversational Repair and Human Understanding Makoto Hayashi, Geoffrey Raymond, Jack Sidnell, 2013-01-17 Humans are imperfect, and problems of speaking, hearing and understanding are pervasive in ordinary interaction. This book examines the way we 'repair' and correct such problems as they arise in conversation and other forms of human interaction. The first book-length study of this topic, it brings together a team of scholars from the fields of anthropology, communication, linguistics and sociology to explore how speakers address problems in their own talk and that of others, and how the practices of repair are interwoven with non-verbal aspects of communication such as gaze and gesture, across a variety of languages. Specific chapters highlight intersections between repair and epistemics, repair and turn construction, and repair and action formation. Aimed at researchers and students in sociolinguistics, speech communication, conversation analysis and the broader human and social sciences to which they contribute - anthropology, linguistics, psychology and sociology - this book provides a state-of-the-art review of conversational repair, while charting new directions for future study.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Empires of the Word Nicholas Ostler, 2011-03-22 A “monumental” account of the rise and fall of languages, with “many fresh insights, useful historical anecdotes, and charming linguistic oddities” (Chicago Tribune). Nicholas Ostler's Empires of the Word is the first history of the world’s great tongues, gloriously celebrating the wonder of words that bind communities together and make possible both the living of a common history and the telling of it. From the uncanny resilience of Chinese through twenty centuries of invasions to the engaging self-regard of Greek to the struggles that gave birth to the languages of modern Europe, these epic achievements and more are brilliantly explored, as are the fascinating failures of once “universal” languages. A splendid, authoritative, and remarkable work, it demonstrates how the language history of the world eloquently reveals the real character of our planet’s diverse peoples and prepares us for a linguistic future full of surprises. “Readers learn how languages ancient and modern spread and how they dwindle. . . . Few books bring more intellectual excitement to the study of language.” —Booklist (starred review) “Sparkles with arcane knowledge, shrewd perceptions, and fresh ideas…The sheer sweep of his analysis is breathtaking.” —Times Literary Supplement “Ambitious and accessible . . . Ostler stresses the role of culture, commerce and conquest in the rise and fall of languages, whether Spanish, Portuguese and French in the Americas or Dutch in Asia and Africa.” —Publishers Weekly “A marvelous book.” —National Review
12 most difficult languages to learn: Learn Hungarian: Must-Know Hungarian Slang Words & Phrases Innovative Language Learning, HungarianPod101.com, Do you want to learn Hungarian the fast, fun and easy way? And do you want to master daily conversations and speak like a native? Then this is the book for you. Learn Hungarian: Must-Know Hungarian Slang Words & Phrases by HungarianPod101 is designed for Beginner-level learners. You learn the top 100 must-know slang words and phrases that are used in everyday speech. All were hand-picked by our team of Hungarian teachers and experts. Here’s how the lessons work: • Every Lesson is Based on a Theme • You Learn Slang Words or Phrases Related to That Theme • Check the Translation & Explanation on How to Use Each One And by the end, you will have mastered 100+ Hungarian Slang Words & phrases!
12 most difficult languages to learn: The Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson, 2010-08-31 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings, Book One of the Stormlight Archive, begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion. Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable. Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity. Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan's motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war. The result of over ten years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of the Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making. Speak again the ancient oaths: Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before Destination. and return to men the Shards they once bore. The Knights Radiant must stand again. Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive ● The Way of Kings ● Words of Radiance ● Edgedancer (novella) ● Oathbringer ● Dawnshard (novella) ● Rhythm of War The Mistborn Saga The Original Trilogy ● Mistborn ● The Well of Ascension ● The Hero of Ages Wax and Wayne ● The Alloy of Law ● Shadows of Self ● The Bands of Mourning ● The Lost Metal Other Cosmere novels ● Elantris ● Warbreaker ● Tress of the Emerald Sea ● Yumi and the Nightmare Painter ● The Sunlit Man Collection ● Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series ● Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians ● The Scrivener's Bones ● The Knights of Crystallia ● The Shattered Lens ● The Dark Talent ● Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians (with Janci Patterson) Other novels ● The Rithmatist ● Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds ● The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England Other books by Brandon Sanderson The Reckoners ● Steelheart ● Firefight ● Calamity Skyward ● Skyward ● Starsight ● Cytonic ● Skyward Flight (with Janci Patterson) ● Defiant At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
12 most difficult languages to learn: What Teachers Need to Know About Language Carolyn Temple Adger, Catherine E. Snow, Donna Christian, 2018-07-10 Rising enrollments of students for whom English is not a first language mean that every teacher – whether teaching kindergarten or high school algebra – is a language teacher. This book explains what teachers need to know about language in order to be more effective in the classroom, and it shows how teacher education might help them gain that knowledge. It focuses especially on features of academic English and gives examples of the many aspects of teaching and learning to which language is key. This second edition reflects the now greatly expanded knowledge base about academic language and classroom discourse, and highlights the pivotal role that language plays in learning and schooling. The volume will be of interest to teachers, teacher educators, professional development specialists, administrators, and all those interested in helping to ensure student success in the classroom and beyond.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Artemis Andy Weir, 2020-01-30 Ever had a bad day? Try having one on the moon... 'Fascinating' Tim Peake, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ask an Astronaut ______________________ WELCOME TO ARTEMIS. The first city on the moon. Population 2,000. Mostly tourists. Some criminals. Jazz Bashara is one of the criminals. She lives in a poor area of Artemis and subsidises her work as a porter with smuggling contraband onto the moon. But it's not enough. So when she's offered the chance to make a lot of money she jumps at it. But though planning a crime in 1/6th gravity may be more fun, it's also a lot more dangerous. When you live on the moon, of course you have a dark side... ______________________ Andy Weir's new stunning science-based thriller PROJECT HAIL MARY is available now. ______________________ What everyone's saying about the follow-up to The Martian: 'A smart, fun, fast-paced adventure that you won't be able to put down' Ernest Cline, bestselling author of Ready Player One 'What a page turner!' Milda on Goodreads, 5 stars 'Fast paced, high octane and highly entertaining' Chrys on Netgalley, 5 stars 'Artemis does for the moon what The Martian did for Mars' Guardian 'A first rate thriller, this had me hooked from beginning to end' Robert on Netgalley, 5 stars 'An absolute must read' Lauren on Goodreads, 5 stars 'A clever and action-fuelled story' Culturefly 'For those who loved The Martian, you won't be disappointed' Liz on Netgalley, 5 stars
12 most difficult languages to learn: Remembering the Kanji 2 James W. Heisig, 2012-04-30 Following the first volume of Remembering the Kanji, the present work provides students with helpful tools for learning the pronunciation of the kanji. Behind the notorious inconsistencies in the way the Japanese language has come to pronounce the characters it received from China lie several coherent patterns. Identifying these patterns and arranging them in logical order can reduce dramatically the amount of time spent in the brute memorization of sounds unrelated to written forms. Many of the “primitive elements,” or building blocks, used in the drawing of the characters also serve to indicate the “Chinese reading” that particular kanji use, chiefly in compound terms. By learning one of the kanji that uses such a “signal primitive,” one can learn the entire group at the same time. In this way, Remembering the Kanji 2 lays out the varieties of phonetic pattern and offers helpful hints for learning readings, that might otherwise appear completely random, in an efficient and rational way. Individual frames cross-reference the kanji to alternate readings and to the frame in volume 1 in which the meaning and writing of the kanji was first introduced. A parallel system of pronouncing the kanji, their “Japanese readings,” uses native Japanese words assigned to particular Chinese characters. Although these are more easily learned because of the association of the meaning to a single word, the author creates a kind of phonetic alphabet of single syllable words, each connected to a simple Japanese word, and shows how they can be combined to help memorize particularly troublesome vocabulary. The 4th edition has been updated to include the 196 new kanji approved by the government in 2010 as “general-use” kanji.
12 most difficult languages to learn: An Introduction to Grammar for Language Learners Don Ringe, 2018-08-23 Explains universal concepts of language structure to help students preparing to study a foreign language.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Language Interrupted John McWhorter, 2007-06-18 Foreigners often say that English language is easy. A language like Spanish is challenging in its variety of verb endings (the verb speak is conjugated hablo, hablas, hablamos), and gender for nouns, whereas English is more straight forward (I speak, you speak, we speak). But linguists generally swat down claims that certain languages are easier than others, since it is assumed all languages are complex to the same degree. For example, they will point to English's use of the word do -- Do you know French? This usage is counter-intuitive and difficult for non-native speakers. Linguist John McWhorter agrees that all languages are complex, but questions whether or not they are all equally complex. The topic of complexity has become a hot issue in recent years, particularly in creole studies, historical linguistics, and language contact. As McWhorter describes, when languages came into contact over the years (when French speakers ruled the English for a few centuries, or the vikings invaded England), a large number of speakers are forced to learn a new language quickly, and this came up with a simplified version, a pidgin. When this ultimately turns into a real language, a creole, the result is still simpler and less complex than a non-interrupted language that has been around for a long time. McWhorter makes the case that this kind of simplification happens in degrees, and criticizes linguists who are reluctant to say that, for example, English is simply simpler than Spanish for socio-historical reasons. He analyzes how various languages that seem simple but are not creoles, actually are simpler than they would be if they had not been broken down by large numbers of adult learners. In addition to English, he looks at Mandarin Chinese, Persian, Malay, and some Arabic varieties. His work will interest not just experts in creole studies and historical linguistics, but the wider community interested in language complexity.
12 most difficult languages to learn: First Language Attrition Monika S. Schmid, Barbara Köpke, 2013-05-22 This volume consists of a collection of papers that focus on structural/grammatical aspects of the process of first language attrition. It presents an overview of current research, methodological issues and important questions regarding first language attrition. In particular, it addresses the two most prominent issues in current L1 attrition research: Can attrition effects impact on features of core syntax, or are they limited to interface phenomena?, and; What is the role of age at onset (pre-/post-puberty) in this regard? By investigating attrition in a variety of settings, from a case study of a Spanish-speaking adoptee in the US to an empirical investigation of more than 50 long-term attriters of Turkish in the Netherlands, the investigations presented take a new perspective on these issues. Originally published in Language, Interaction and Acquisition - Langage, Interaction et Acquisition 2:2 (2011).
12 most difficult languages to learn: Introduction to Compilers and Language Design Douglas Thain, 2016-09-20 A compiler translates a program written in a high level language into a program written in a lower level language. For students of computer science, building a compiler from scratch is a rite of passage: a challenging and fun project that offers insight into many different aspects of computer science, some deeply theoretical, and others highly practical. This book offers a one semester introduction into compiler construction, enabling the reader to build a simple compiler that accepts a C-like language and translates it into working X86 or ARM assembly language. It is most suitable for undergraduate students who have some experience programming in C, and have taken courses in data structures and computer architecture.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Babel No More Michael Erard, 2012-01-10 A “fascinating” (The Economist) dive into the world of linguistics that is “part travelogue, part science lesson, part intellectual investigation…an entertaining, informative survey of some of the most fascinating polyglots of our time” (The New York Times Book Review). In Babel No More, Michael Erard, “a monolingual with benefits,” sets out on a quest to meet language superlearners and make sense of their mental powers. On the way he uncovers the secrets of historical figures like the nineteenth-century Italian cardinal Joseph Mezzofanti, who was said to speak seventy-two languages, as well as those of living language-superlearners such as Alexander Arguelles, a modern-day polyglot who knows dozens of languages and shows Erard the tricks of the trade to give him a dark glimpse into the life of obsessive language acquisition. With his ambitious examination of what language is, where it lives in the brain, and the cultural implications of polyglots’ pursuits, Erard explores the upper limits of our ability to learn and use languages and illuminates the intellectual potential in everyone. How do some people escape the curse of Babel—and what might the gods have demanded of them in return?
12 most difficult languages to learn: Teaching and Learning Chinese as a Second or Foreign Language Ko-Yin Sung, 2019-10-23 Teaching and Learning Chinese as a Second or Foreign Language, edited by Ko-Yin Sung, addresses three emerging themes in the field of Chinese language teaching and learning. (1) Increasingly ubiquitous in all language learning and teaching, and for the learning of Chinese as a second language in particular, information and communication technology (ICT) can serve as an important and effective tool. Several chapters focus on how certain emerging ICT tools are applied in teaching and learning Chinese as a second language. (2) Due to China’s economic and political influence, the number of students of all ages studying Chinese as a second language—but especially young learners—has increased in many parts of the world. Despite this, the research into teaching Chinese to young learners has lagged behind. Several chapters investigate young learners’ motivations and effective methods for assisting them to master the Chinese language. (3) The writing system of the Chinese language poses many challenges for learners, especially those more familiar with alphabetical languages. In light of this difficulty in learning Chinese characters, some of the chapters identify effective teaching and learning strategies to master the Chinese language.
12 most difficult languages to learn: The Beliefs and Experiences of World Language Teachers in the US Pamela M. Wesely, 2024-06-11 This book tells the stories of 15 world language (WL) teachers in the United States at elementary and secondary levels through rich descriptions of their lived worlds and experiences. In-depth interviews, extensive observations, learner interviews, and document and environment analysis illustrate in detail how teacher beliefs relate to their practices and are mediated and moderated by their learners, institutional demands, equity and access to WL education and other factors. The chapters provide a deep and robust explanation of individual teachers’ teaching lives and a cross-contextual comparison of their experiences, shining a light on the realities and demands of modern US schools. Grounded in the research literature on language teacher beliefs and cognition, this book takes the stance that all teaching is situated and contextual, and that addressing teachers' methods, practices and knowledges in ways that are divorced from their setting and environment has serious limitations. It offers fascinating insights for researchers, language educators and pre- and in-service teachers, with reflection questions at the end of each chapter to guide readers in drawing connections with their own practice, interests and contexts.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Remembering the Hiragana James W. Heisig, 1987
12 most difficult languages to learn: Empty Planet Darrell Bricker, John Ibbitson, 2019-02-05 **A SUNDAY TIMES MUST-READ** 'Riveting and vitally important' - Steven Pinker 'A gripping narrative of a world on the cusp of profound change' - Anjana Ahuja, New Statesman Empty Planet offers a radical, provocative argument that the global population will soon begin to decline, dramatically reshaping the social, political and economic landscape. For half a century, statisticians, pundits and politicians have warned that a burgeoning planetary population will soon overwhelm the earth's resources. But a growing number of experts are sounding a different kind of alarm. Rather than growing exponentially, they argue, the global population is headed for a steep decline. Throughout history, depopulation was the product of catastrophe: ice ages, plagues, the collapse of civilizations. This time, however, we're thinning ourselves deliberately, by choosing to have fewer babies than we need to replace ourselves. In much of the developed and developing world, that decline is already underway, as urbanisation, women's empowerment, and waning religiosity lead to smaller and smaller families. In Empty Planet, Ibbitson and Bricker travel from South Florida to Sao Paulo, Seoul to Nairobi, Brussels to Delhi to Beijing, drawing on a wealth of research and firsthand reporting to illustrate the dramatic consequences of this population decline - and to show us why the rest of the developing world will soon join in. They find that a smaller global population will bring with it a number of benefits: fewer workers will command higher wages; good jobs will prompt innovation; the environment will improve; the risk of famine will wane; and falling birthrates in the developing world will bring greater affluence and autonomy for women. But enormous disruption lies ahead, too. We can already see the effects in Europe and parts of Asia, as aging populations and worker shortages weaken the economy and impose crippling demands on healthcare and vital social services. There may be earth-shaking implications on a geopolitical scale as well. Empty Planet is a hugely important book for our times. Captivating and persuasive, it is a story about urbanisation, access to education and the empowerment of women to choose their own destinies. It is about the secularisation of societies and the vital role that immigration has to play in our futures. Rigorously researched and deeply compelling, Empty Planet offers a vision of a future that we can no longer prevent - but that we can shape, if we choose to.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Positive Intelligence Shirzad Chamine, 2012 Chamine exposes how your mind is sabotaging you and keeping your from achieving your true potential. He shows you how to take concrete steps to unleash the vast, untapped powers of your mind.
12 most difficult languages to learn: A catalogue of works in all departments of English literature Longmans, Green and co, 1848
12 most difficult languages to learn: Good Night, Mr. Tom Michelle Magorian, 1986-11-13 London is poised on the brink of World War 11. Timid, scrawny Willie Beech -- the abused child of a single mother -- is evacuated to the English countryside. At first, he is terrified of everything, of the country sounds and sights, even of Mr. Tom, the gruff, kindly old man who has taken him in. But gradually Willie forgets the hate and despair of his past. He learns to love a world he never knew existed, a world of friendship and affection in which harsh words and daily beatings have no place. Then a telegram comes. Willie must return to his mother in London. When weeks pass by with no word from Willie, Mr. Tom sets out for London to look for the young boy he has come to love as a son.
12 most difficult languages to learn: How to Improve Your Foreign Language Immediately Boris Shekhtman, 2003 This book provides a unique set of tools designed to enhance an individual's success in communicati0n in a foreign language environment. The devices presented allow the speaker of a foreign language to demonstrate the level of his/her language more impressively. These techniques were developed and tested by the author with adult professionals in such varied fields as journalism, diplomacy, government, and international business.
12 most difficult languages to learn: Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems Krzysztof Czarnecki, Ileana Ober, Jean-Michel Bruel, Axel Uhl, Markus Völter, 2008-09-22 This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems, MoDELS 2008, held in Toulouse, France, during September 28-October 3, 2008. The 58 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 271 submissions. The book also contains three keynote speeches and contributions to workshops, symposia, tutorials and panels at the conference. The papers are organized in topical sections on Model Transformation: Foundations; Requirements Modeling; Domain-Specific Modeling; Model Transformation: Techniques, Composition and Analysis of Behavioral Models; Model Comprehension; Model Management; Behavioral Conformance and Refinement; Metamodeling and Modularity; Constraints; Model Analysis; Service-Oriented Architectures; Adaptive and Autonomic Systems; Empirical Studies; Evolution and Reverse Engineering; Modeling Language Semantics; Dependability Analysis and Testing; Aspect-Oriented Modeling; Structural Modeling;and Embedded Systems.
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都说13代、14代酷睿处理器缩肛，具体是什么情况? - 知乎
13、14代可以粗糙的认为是12代超频的产品。默认频率高了，自然容易烧坏，烧坏么就缩缸，缩了性能就降低，最多损失达30%，且无法恢复。缩缸不是一定发生，长时间高负载 …

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从多核跑分上来看也是不得了，10核的M4达到了12核M2 Max的水平。这里简单说下单核跑分和多核跑分的意义。单核跑分反映其中的一个CPU核心的性能。

这12个视频解析下载地址，网上视频均可下载，视频素材多到手软
Nov 11, 2022 · 这个网站视频（包括vip视频）解析之后支持在线观看，但是不能下载。支持解析百度网盘、优酷、乐视、芒果、搜狐、快手、土豆、pptv、华数tv、爱奇艺、腾讯、优酷、acfun …

想知道住房公积金5%，8%,12%都是怎么算钱的？具体是多少钱？ …
按照12%的比较缴纳就是3500x0.12=420元，加上公司为你缴纳的420元，一共是840元。另外，这些问题大家也可以看看：公积金里面有多少钱才能进行贷款。? 未给员工足额缴存公积金 …

都说13代、14代酷睿处理器缩肛，具体是什么情况? - 知乎
13、14代可以粗糙的认为是12代超频的产品。默认频率高了，自然容易烧坏，烧坏么就缩缸，缩了性能就降低，最多损失达30%，且无法恢复。缩缸不是一定发生，长时间高负载更容易导致 …

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逆天｜详细说说苹果M4、M4 Pro和M4 Max - 知乎
从多核跑分上来看也是不得了，10核的M4达到了12核M2 Max的水平。这里简单说下单核跑分和多核跑分的意义。单核跑分反映其中的一个CPU核心的性能。

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