Should I study Arabic or French?

College Majors
1

<p>I'm a Political Science major and am torn between studying Arabic or French to fill my foreign language requirements.</p>

<p>I enjoy learning about Middle Eastern culture and am more interested in studying Arabic than French. However, learning Arabic is a life-long process and I won't be very good at it all after two-three years of study. The chances to study abroad in countries where Arabic is spoken are limited, which is important in learning a language. I'm also concerned that it would be less advantageous to me in my career than it could be because I'm a woman.</p>

<p>I have long held a mild interest in French. It doesn't excite me at all but it would certainly be easier (I could come out of my undergrad at an intermediate or advanced level), the opportunities to study in a country where French is spoken are much easier to come by, and it is far less likely that my gender will prohibit working with or in French countries.</p>

<p>I would love some advice or direction, please! Also, I am sorry for any typos as I am on my phone.</p>

2

<p>As a native Arabic speake (both parents from the ME), I can say that Arabic is a bit of a tricky language because of how much it varies from country to country. Additionally, getting a hang of the alphabet takes time, which isn’t a problem you’d have with French. French is much more practical and not too difficult to start learning.
If anything, I would suggest taking French as your main foreign lang and if possible taking Arabic as an elective. If you can only study one foreign lang, then opt for French. </p>