{"id":31571,"date":"2021-09-07T13:45:21","date_gmt":"2021-09-07T05:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/?p=31571"},"modified":"2026-02-13T12:10:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T04:10:33","slug":"best-languages-and-where-to-learn-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/best-languages-and-where-to-learn-them\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Languages To Learn (Other Than English) & Where To Learn Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Make full use of this season to add a new language to your repertoire so that when travel resumes, you\u2019ll be able to blend in with the locals seamlessly (audio-wise at least). We\u2019ve also added some of our favourite foreign-language films and TV shows into the mix to get you inspired.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There are a ton of different theories when it comes to the origins of languages. The Jews and Christians attribute the foreign aspect of it to the Tower of Babel, while Hindus blame it on the World Tree\u2019s presumptuous mistake. Down under, the Aboriginals believe that foreign languages were actualised when a cannibalistic act involving an old village lady\u2019s innards <\/em>was committed.\u00a0Regardless of its potentially grizzly beginnings, the objective of languages remains clear \u2014 we need them to communicate effectively with one another and stay united as a global community. So, what better way to use this lull time in travel to learn (or brush up on) some of these best languages that will come in handy when you venture out, once again, on your international escapades!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Arabic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Los Angeles Times<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re planning a visit to the Middle East or North Africa in the foreseeable future, knowing a bit of Arabic would come in handy. Popular destinations that recognise Arabic as their official language include Dubai, Morocco, Jordan, and of course Egypt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Phrases: <\/strong>\u201cShukran\u201d (Thank you), \u201cMarhaba\u201d (Hello), \u201cMin fadlak (masc.), Min fadlik (fem.)\u201d (Please)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn<\/strong>: Al-Ahdaf Academy<\/a>, <\/strong>from <\/strong>S$340 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

App:<\/strong> Learn Arabic Speak Arabic <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV series That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Tom Clancy\u2019s Jack Ryan Season 1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Coding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Ars Technica<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During one of the initial dates my boyfriend and I went on, the conversation of languages came up. When I asked how many he knew or was fluent in, he mentioned Python as one of them. And he isn\u2019t wrong to categorise it as a method of communication. Python<\/a> is a computer programming language often used to build websites and software, automate tasks, and conduct data analysis. It’s also easy for beginners to use and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn: <\/strong>SG Code Campus<\/a>, from S$516<\/p>\n\n\n\n

App: <\/strong>Sololearn: Learn to Code<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV Series That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Mr Robot<\/a> and\/or Start-Up <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. French<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Rotten Tomatoes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ah, the language of love.<\/em> Romanticised in many a Woody Allen film (and general cinema), French is probably one of the most sought-after languages to learn on this list. Plus, if there\u2019s one thing in common that these shows have perpetuated \u2014 it would be that the French are incredibly proud of their language, and travelling to a French-speaking country (France, Canada, Belgium, etc) would be a lot easier if you could say more than oui<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Phrases:<\/strong> \u201cOn se parle plus tard\u201d (Let\u2019s talk later), \u201cO\u00f9 sont les toilettes\u201d (Where is the bathroom), or \u201cEst-ce que je peux utiliser vos toilettes, s\u2019il vous pla\u00eet?\u201d (May I use your bathroom, please?), and of course, \u201cBonjour!\u201d (Hello!) and \u201cAu revoir (Good bye), plus \u201cMerci Beaucoup\u201d (Thank you)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn: <\/strong>Alliance Fran\u00e7aise<\/a>, from S$390 or at French Toast<\/a>, from S$295<\/p>\n\n\n\n

App: <\/strong>Duolingo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Movie or TV Series That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Midnight in Paris<\/a> and\/or Lupin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. German<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Business Insider<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you wish to enter into the business world or get into academia, German might just be your best bet! Not only will it look great on your resume,  being fluent in German will come in handy because Germany is home to big economic players like Volkswagen and Adidas. Not to mention, Germany is renowned for its affordable and world-class education system!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Phrases:<\/strong> \u201cDanke\u201d (Thanks), \u201cIn Sprichst du English?\u201d (Do you speak English?), \u201cWo finde ich eine toilette?\u201d (Where do I find a toilet?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn: <\/strong>Goethe-Institut<\/a>, from S$400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

App: <\/strong>Rosetta Stone<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Movie That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Inglorious Basterds<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Hindi<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Cinema Express<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I once took a semester of Hindi after watching 3 Idiots and instantly falling in love with Aamir Khan. However, if you need another reason to learn the third most spoken language in the world, other than being able to recognise certain phrases in your favourite Bollywood movie, just take a look at Northern India\u2019s amazing scenery and I\u2019m pretty sure you\u2019ll be sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Phrases:<\/strong> \u201cAap kaise hain\u201d (How are you), \u201cMein theek hoon. Tum?\u201d (I\u2019m fine. You?), \u201cMaaf ki-jie\u201d (Sorry), \u201cChalo!\u201d (Let\u2019s go!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn: <\/strong>The Hindi Society<\/a>, from S$100<\/p>\n\n\n\n

App: <\/strong>Mind ur Hindi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Movies That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Dangal Yuddham<\/a>, PK<\/a>, 3 Idiots<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Japanese<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Rotten Tomatoes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I think we can all agree that the Japanese are in a league of its own \u2014 everything from their cult beauty products to cosplay culture to the creation of anime, and even Japanese cuisine. Needless to say, we all want in. However, the only way to truly immerse yourself in that world would be through an education in Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Phrases:<\/strong> \u201cMou ichido onegaishimasu\u201d (Could you please say that again?), \u201cMenu o kudasai\u201d (May I have the menu), \u201cToire wa doko desu ka?\u201d (Where is the bathroom?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn: <\/strong>Tomo Japanese Language School<\/a>, from S$390, or Ikoma Language School<\/a>, from S$450<\/p>\n\n\n\n

App:  <\/strong>Drops<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Movies That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Your Name<\/a>, Spirited Away<\/a>, Audition<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Korean<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Geek Culture<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The K-pop culture has infiltrated almost every industry \u2014 music, movies and even beauty. If you\u2019ve been on the earth for even two seconds, you\u2019ll know of popular bands such as BlackPink and Korean beauty brands like Etude House and ICE.  Not to imagine the empire that Korean dramas have created for themselves. Since there\u2019s no escaping it, why not join them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Phrases:<\/strong> \u201cBan-gap-sum-ni-da\u201d (Nice to meet you), \u201cBap meo-geo-seo-yo?\u201d (How are you?), \u201cKam-sa-ham-ni-da\u201d (Thank you)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn: <\/strong>Sejong Korean Language School<\/a>, <\/strong>from S$360<\/p>\n\n\n\n

App: <\/strong>Hangul by Punch<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV Series That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Kingdom<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Spanish<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credits: Rotten Tomatoes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Of sunshine and sangrias, Spain has an infectious energy about Her that beckons any visitor to stay and take root. Siestas aside, Spain has an amazing culture that\u2019s rich in history, art and architecture. Needless to say, it\u2019s an essential travel destination. Bonus: many other countries adopt Spanish as their official language, including a huge portion of the Americas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Phrases:<\/strong> \u201cHola, me llamo..\u201d (Hello, my name is…), \u201cPor favor\u201d (Please), \u201c\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1s?\u201d (How are you?). \u201cYo no comprendo\u201d (I do not understand)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to learn: <\/strong>Spanish Studio<\/a>, from S$290<\/p>\n\n\n\n

App: <\/strong>Duolingo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV Series That Inspired Us: <\/strong>Money Heist<\/a>, <\/strong>that one scene from Community<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get Started On These Best Languages Today!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Whenever you learn one of these best languages for travel, or purchase something in a foreign currency \u2014 be sure to use your YouTrip card<\/a> to cash in on our sweet wholesale exchange rates<\/a>! As always, If you still haven\u2019t gotten your free YouTrip card yet, use promo code <BLOG5<\/a>> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more great tips and guides like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG)<\/a> and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here<\/a> or down below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Related Articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 Vaccine: Peaky Blinders, Disneyland, & Other Surprising Vaccination Hubs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immunity Passports: Will They Help Resume Travel During COVID-19?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

40% Willing to Visit COVID-19 Hotspots in 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Je ne comprends pas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":31572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[623,624],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31571","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31571","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31571"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31571\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31571"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31571"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31571"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}