Originally Posted by A318neo

I was thinking of a new decade resolution to learn a language or improve on one. 2020 is too soon so it might have to start in mid 2020 or even late 2020. What language would you pick, assuming that English is your native language?

Candidates:
1. Mandarin Chinese - lots of people speak it. It's the language of the Republic of China, Singapore, and the People's Republic of China. Best travel use (best is ill-defined): Taipei
2. French - a widespread second language. Best travel use: France. Also useful in Geneva, Quebec, large sections of Africa, Lebanon
3. Spanish - used in many countries. Best travel use: Spain, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia. Also useful in most of South America and Central America, as well as intermittent use in the US
4. German - Best travel use: Germany, Switzerland, Austria. Also slightly useful in Russia and Eastern Europe
5. Cantonese Chinese - quite a few people speak it. Best travel use: Hong Kong. Some use in San Francisco Chinatown, Singapore
6. Portuguese - Best travel use: Brazil, Portugal
7. Japanese - Japan is a fun country. Best travel use: Japan (probably the only travel use)
8. Italian - I found few people speak English in Italy. Best travel use: Italy
9. Others, possibly Arabic, Tamil, Punjabi, Dutch, Swedish.