Learning Languages at Boston University

Hey there, I need to fulfil my language requirement at BU but I'm a little stuck. Can anyone share their experiences with the easiest language class at Boston University?

The ease of a language course can largely depend on your individual skills and interests, though there are some general things you can keep in mind when selecting a language course.

Language courses with writing systems that use alphabets similar to English, like Spanish, French, or Italian, might be less intensive at first compared to studying languages with different writing systems, such as Mandarin, Russian, or Arabic. That's not to say these languages are inherently easier, but you might find the initial learning curve less steep.

However, language learning goes beyond just the writing system. You'll also need to consider factors like grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Languages that are closely related to English, such as German and Dutch, could be somewhat easier because of the many shared linguistic features.

On another note, if you've prior exposure to a language or if it's spoken in your family or community, that will likely make the course easier for you. Alternatively, if you're passionate about a country, its culture, or even future career opportunities in that country, that motivation might make learning the language seem easier and more rewarding, no matter the language's complexity.

From anecdotal feedback, many students find languages like Spanish or Italian to be manageable, mainly due to the reasons mentioned before. Some students have also found ASL (American Sign Language) to be an interesting and different approach to fulfilling their language requirement.

Beyond the language itself, the quality of the course can greatly impact your experience. Reach out to your advising office, speak with fellow students, or even email professors asking about the structure, pace, and commitment required for their language courses. This will help you make an informed decision.