I need to learn a modern language.

[requisitename]

For the MA program I'm most interested in, I need a modern language to go with the Older Than The Hills languages I have/am acquiring. The fellow in charge told me that it can be basically any language of my choosing, though I ought to run it by him before I get started to make sure they'll be able to test my proficiency. He also said that if it's *not* Spanish, French, German, or Japanese, it will carry more weight due to the ~85% of applications they get having one of those languages as the secondary modern language.

I prefer working with Latin letters, though I know I can definitely work with (ancient) Greek ones. I don't freak out about diacritics, either. I enjoy the study of language and I'm not afraid to work hard, so something considered challenging is right up my alley. I am not interested in tonal languages (Chinese, the Khoisan languages, etc.), however, because of my inability to perceive subtle changes in other people's voices and my own.

Finally, I currently take college level language classes and I have used a private tutor for another language.. but, I'd like to do this as much on my own as possible. I've played around with Rosetta Stone and I don't really like it. I don't find it nearly as intuitive as they say it is. I'm not against working with a private tutor again; I'm just wondering if there is another way you'd suggest to learn whatever language you recommend.

In the end, of course, I'll make my own decision about what I study based on careful weighing of pros and cons.. but, this is an amazing global community, so I thought I'd ask you fine people, if you'd be so kind:

What modern language should I study?

And now, CAPTCHA is telling me to "lark about".. so, I think I shall.

 

[Aris Khandr]

Given your preferences, and (I presume) the desire to avoid the four most common ones you listed, the obvious choice would be Italian.

 

[SeeIn2D]

I really like speaking French and it's not all that difficult to learn. I would say French since it is such a global language and since it isn't all that difficult to learn.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Italiano?

官话?

Português?

 

[winginson]

My cousin learned Russian and that can open up some other eastern european languages.

Indian or Chinese could be quite handy the way the world is changing.

 

[MasterOfHisOwnDomain]

Would be helpful if you described the old languages that you are currently studying (i.e., so we can match our suggestions). However, from what you've given: Portugese, Italian, Russian. Perhaps also Arabic, if you really want a challenge?

 

[requisitename]

Thank you, everyone! I'm looking into the suggestions you've given thus far. I'm really liking Dutch and Russian, especially.

Would be helpful if you described the old languages that you are currently studying (i.e., so we can match our suggestions). However, from what you've given: Portugese, Italian, Russian. Perhaps also Arabic, if you really want a challenge?

Polished in Attic and Koine Greek and mid-level in Classical Latin.

 

[Harley Q]

Russian seems to be a good one, as many Easter Europeans, at least those who I have met tend to speak Russian as well as their own languages. Plus Russia and China appear to be the countries that are still doing quite well in an economic sense, so it may open u more employment opportunities for you.