If you’re seeking ways to enhance your coolness factor, there are the usual options like playing the guitar, sporting indoor sunglasses, or appearing disinterested in public. However, we propose a slightly different avenue: learning future-proof languages.
While our bias leans toward considering any language acquisition as cool, certain languages possess greater cultural cachet than others. To determine the most future-proof languages globally, we consulted our experts, who utilized the following criteria for selection:
Speaker Reputation
The perceived coolness of a language is influenced by the coolness of its speakers. Although highly subjective, this factor holds considerable weight.
Pop Culture in the Widely Spoken Language
The influence of movies and music on a language’s reputation cannot be ignored. A single international star can spur a surge in people’s interest in learning that language.
Fascinating Features of the Official Language
Given the vast array of over 7,000 languages, it is unsurprising that some have evolved in intriguing ways.
Ten of The Coolest, Future-Proof Languages
#1 – !Xhosa
This language, spoken in parts of South Africa and Zimbabwe, earned its place due to its distinctive phonetic feature: clicks. Although other languages incorporate clicks, !Xhosa stands out as one of the most widely spoken languages with this characteristic. Curiously, all languages featuring clicks originate from Africa.
#2 – German
In recent decades, the German language, much like Germany itself, has experienced a reversal in fortunes. Berlin, particularly during the Cold War era dominated by the Russian language, emerged as a hub of German coolness, attracting artists, musicians, and art enthusiasts from around the globe. It’s important to note that German coolness extends beyond Berlin, encompassing subcultures throughout the entire country.
#3 – Afrikaans
Novelty is one aspect that contributes to coolness. Although Afrikaans is not entirely new—it developed as a result of Dutch contact with other languages in 18th-century Africa—it remains one of the world’s newest languages. Besides being an official language in South Africa, Afrikaans is also spoken in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
#4 – English
Including English on a list of “cool” languages may initially seem redundant because it’s arguably the most spoken language on the web. Given its established cultural dominance as the most widely spoken language worldwide (including native and non-native speakers), English undeniably enjoyed a monopoly on coolness for quite some time. This coolness, rooted in colonialism, was further reinforced as American movies, music, and other cultural exports permeated countries worldwide.
#5 – Arabic
While Arabic may not be the most accessible language for English speakers, it presents a challenge worth undertaking. It’s one of the most challenging languages to learn, but it’s essential for international business. With its distinct writing system and the absence of short vowel notations, the Arabic native language demands effort from learners keen to acquire great language skills. However, the rewards are significant, and the Arabic-speaking world offers numerous exemplars of coolness.
#6 – Italian
Italian contributed one of the most captivating words associated with coolness: sprezzatura, meaning “studied nonchalance.” Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Italian claims a spot on this list. Italian music, setting international standards for centuries from Vivaldi to contemporary artists, adds to its cool factor. Additionally, the regional dialects across Italy contribute to the language’s richness and diversity.
#7 – Japanese
Japanese poses a challenge for English speakers due to its three different writing systems and limited linguistic similarities. Nonetheless, many individuals have embraced this challenge. Over the past few decades, Japan has vied with the United States for cultural influence, exporting anime, manga, and captivating futuristic cities like Tokyo, which entice many visitors.
#8 – Spanish
As one of the most widely spoken languages globally, Spanish’s cool reputation continues to grow. Spanish’s ascent is remarkable in movies and music, with artists like Bad Bunny attaining international popularity. While it is challenging to pinpoint specific factors that contribute to Spanish’s coolness, it is evident that Spain, Mexico, Chile, the United States, and other Spanish-speaking countries beyond South America each contribute their own unique elements.
#9 – French
France has long attracted cool people to its shores, whether during the 1920s with figures like Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein, or in the present era with personalities such as Lily-Rose Depp and David Beckham. However, French coolness extends beyond France itself. With an estimated 750 million projected speakers by 2050, French stands as one of the fastest-growing languages globally.
#10 – Korean
Although we initially stated that languages differ from trends, Korean currently rides the wave of a trend. As K-Pop continues to captivate global audiences and K-Dramas gain significant traction on streaming platforms, an increasing number of individuals worldwide find themselves drawn to the allure of studying the Korean language and culture.. While mastering Korean presents certain challenges, such as learning a distinct writing system, strong motivation can overcome any obstacle.
Wrapping Up on Future-Proof Languages with a Serious Coolness Factor
Ultimately, any language you choose to learn will bring its own unique form of coolness. The ability to understand and communicate with new people is inherently rewarding. However, if this list of the coolest languages provides the motivation you need to embark on a language-learning journey, it can serve as a valuable resource.