About college language courses—which one's the easiest?

Hey all, I need to take a language course in college and was wondering which language is generally considered the simplest one to pick up? I understand that it will be different for everyone... just looking for some direction. Merci, gracias, grazie, thanks!

While it's true that different students find different languages easier to pick up based on a number of factors (including their native language, their previous language learning experience, and their personal interests), there are some languages that are generally considered to be easier to acquire for English speakers.

One good place to start is with the Romance languages: Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. These languages share a lot of vocabulary with English due to their Latin roots, and their grammatical structures are also quite straightforward. In particular, Spanish is often recommended for beginners due to its relatively simple grammar and pronunciation rules.

Another good option might be Dutch or Scandinavian languages like Swedish or Norwegian. These languages are closely related to English in the Germanic family tree, so they share many similarities in grammar and vocabulary. Their pronunciation can be a bit tricky, but their grammar is relatively simple and lacks many of the complexities found in German.

Keep in mind that the 'easiest' language for you will also depend on your level of interest and motivation in the language and culture. If you're really interested in a particular language, that interest can fuel your dedication and motivation, making the learning process seem easier and more enjoyable.

Lastly, you should consider the quality of instruction at your college, as this can significantly influence your success in language learning. Some language departments at certain schools may be more effective than others, so it's worth asking around or checking student reviews. Good luck!