How hard is it to learn another language?

Learning another language can be easy or difficult depending on several factors.

1. age
2. similarity to one's native language
3. method of learning

The earlier you try to learn a new language, the easier it is. If you're trying to learn a new language at age 5, it's easier than if you're trying to learn it at 65. Why? Because our brains pick up variations in sounds early in life. Although researchers state that this ends very early (in the first few years), the closer you are to this, the easier it is.

If you're trying to learn a language that is similar to your own, then it's easier to pick up the new language than if it's something that's very different. For instance, the English language has sounds that some other languages don't use. Obviously, it's difficult to say something when your language doesn't have that sound.

Finally, the method in which you try to learn this can make it easier or more difficult. Trying to learn the language on your own by reading text on how to say something, is going to be more difficult than if you learn it through hearing and practicing. Engaging in conversations and using terms and phrases can also help (the same applies when you're learning new things in one's own language). Another method people swear by is immersion, which is a sink or swim approach to learning a new language. When you're using immersion, you place yourself in a situation where you must learn the language (e.g., taking a trip to a foreign country). I only recommend this once you've become somewhat familiar with a language as it can overwhelming if you're learning something new by immersing yourself in it without some foundation in the language to work from.

So, I guess if you're young, the language is similar to your own, and/or you're learning it through listening and practice, then it'll be easier to pick up than if these aren't the case.

It depends on what kind of brain you have.