One of the most common questions asked by language learners is: “How long does it take to learn a language?” The answer, however, is not a simple one. The amount of time it takes to learn a language depends on various factors, including the individual’s language learning ability, the difficulty of the language, the amount of time devoted to studying, and more.
In this post, we’ll explore the different stages of language learning and provide a general outline of what to expect.
Factors Overview
Several factors affect the speed at which one learns a language.
Language similarity: Language similarity is a crucial factor in language learning. A native Portuguese speaker might find it easier to learn languages like Spanish, French, or Italian. These languages are all part of the Romance language family and share similar grammar and vocabulary structures, making them easier to pick up.
On the other hand, languages like Chinese, Japanese, or Arabic are quite different from Portuguese and may take longer to learn. But don’t worry, with the right resources and motivation, anyone can learn a language.
Language difficulty: Some languages, like Japanese or Korean, have complex writing systems and grammar rules that take longer to master.
Study time and consistency: The more time and effort you put into learning a language, the faster you’ll progress.
Learning style: Are you a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner? Finding the right learning resources to match your style of learning can make a big difference.
Linguistic experience: I grew up in a country that uses two different languages, which helped me a lot because I was trained to switch between languages from a young age. I think that made it slightly easier to learn a third.
Immersion: Surrounding yourself with the language, either through travel or language exchange programs, can significantly speed up the learning process.
Language Difficulty
Let’s talk a bit more about language difficulty because it is an important factor to consider. Some languages, like Japanese or Korean, have complex writing systems and grammar rules that take longer to master.
The FSI (Foreign Service Institute) determined four categories of languages in relation to how hard they are to learn for a native English speaker.
Category I: Similar to English and can take someone an average of 24-30 weeks to reach General Professional Proficiency.
- Danish
- Dutch
- French
- Italian
- Norwegian
- Portuguese
- Romanian
- Spanish
- Swedish
Category II: can take an average of 36 weeks to reach General Professional Proficiency
- German
- Haitian Creole
- Indonesian
- Malay
- Swahili
Category III: can take an average of 44 weeks to reach General Professional Proficiency
- Greek
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Russian
- Tagalog
- Vietnamese
- Etc.
Category IV: can take an average of 88 weeks to reach General Professional Proficiency
- Korean
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Japanese
Immersion
Immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a language. Surrounding yourself with the language, either through travel or language exchange programs, can significantly speed up the process. I spent quite a few years taking English classes before I finally moved to the States. When I moved here, it took me less than a year to get to a point where I could communicate in English to get a job. I think the years spent learning grammar was useful, but there is nothing like immersion to see fast progress in your understanding and speaking.
Tips to Speed Up Language Learning
Set Realistic Goals: Break your language learning journey into achievable milestones, and set realistic goals for yourself.
Create a Study Schedule: Establish a regular study routine, and stick to it.
Immerse Yourself in the Language: Surround yourself with the language as much as possible, through TV shows, movies, music, or language exchange programs.
Practice Active Listening and Speaking: Engage in conversations with native speakers, and practice active listening to improve your speaking and comprehension skills.
Use Language Learning Apps and Resources: Take advantage of language learning apps, podcasts, and online resources to supplement your learning.
Suzie Key Tima 
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