Which European Language Should an American Learn: Italian, French, or German?
As a person who grew up with German parents in Philadelphia and took French their whole school life, I would still say that Italian is the best choice for Americans who want to learn a new language. While German and French are highly appreciated and beneficial, they are often incredibly challenging, especially when it comes to pronunciation and grammar. Italian, on the other hand, is a relatively easier and more pleasant language to learn.
Personal Preference and Language Use
My personal feeling is that it depends on how you wish to USE the language you choose to study. If you're a classical singer, Italian would be the way to go. Italian pronunciation and melodic tones are essential for operatic performances. If you were moving to France or Germany, then studying French or German would be more practical. Are you looking to read classic literature, travel, or have a family background from Italy, France, or Germany? Do you have a vested interest in French cuisine? If you don't NEED to learn a language and you just WANT to learn one, start by listening to what sounds good to your ear. Alternatively, you could begin with one of these languages and then dive into all of them!
Practical Considerations for Learning Languages
Honestly, although I love the French language, I encouraged my children to learn Spanish. They did not learn it. Why Spanish? It is a very practical language to know in the United States and South America. Knowing any language would be a bonus to your knowledge and enjoyment of life. Start with what your heart and ears tell you and move forward. The possibilities are endless!
Considerations for Those Uninterested in Learning Languages
Don't take it amiss, but maybe you should only learn English. Even though you already speak it, in my experience, speaking to Americans is much more difficult than understanding an English native speaker. It's not just a matter of accent, contractions, and idiomatic phrases but also the speed at which Americans speak. This can make understanding each other a challenge. However, if you can spell out the words clearly and, when necessary, speak slowly enough, it can become easier for a foreign citizen to understand you, even with a different accent.
Similarities and Differences Among Languages
It depends on your likes and plans. Italian is going to be easier because you already know Spanish. Both languages are very similar. Similarly, French has a lot of vocabulary in common with English and Spanish, but its pronunciation isn't as straightforward. German, being a Germanic language, is like English but is often considered the hardest of the three. Therefore, if you were to prioritize learning one language first, I would suggest either Italian or French.