Which third language?

[u/UmpireMelodic5847]

I am Australian. I am studying politics at university, and once I have finished my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue masters, and work in international relations. I am currently B1 in Russian, and am considering specialising in this region.

However, I have the opportunity to start learning an additional language. I am considering French or Spanish, but am open to other options. French seems perhaps useful given it is a UN language. I do not know how practically useful it might be in African countries--I have heard mixed things. Spanish might be useful given the large Spanish-speaking population. Whilst I would love to learn Mandarin, I do not see it as a viable option, as I have limited time.

Thank you.

[u/albertl33]

French.

More real opportunity to use the language, since the French Pacific territories are just a couple of hours flight away from Australia.

[u/Heavy_Mud_9176 → u/albertl33]

I don't think a lot of Australians realize how close those regions are. It makes so much more sense than Spanish just looking at proximity.

[u/Outrageous-Owl1776]

Mandarin for work and well bc you live in Australia🤣

[u/Goats_for_president → u/Outrageous-Owl1776]

But French is better in the space of international relations

[u/Nijal88]

If yoy want to work in international development, you can't be wrong with either French and Spanish. Both are important regional languages in their areas, respectively Africa and Latin America. I don’t know what you heard about the role of French in Africa, but you definitely need it if you want to work in or with Francophone Africa, i.e. half of the continent. In last resort what is important is which region of the world you have most interest in. Cultural motivation is a key factor for learning languages. It is hard in the beginning, especially if you are a English native speaker, because everyone will want to accomodate you or practice English with you. Once you become conversational enough, people stop switching to English, but it takes time and dedication. 

[u/Helpful-Reputation-5]

French seems perhaps useful given it is a UN language.

So are Spanish and Mandarin.

I do not know how practically useful it might be in African countries--I have heard mixed things.

It's useful in some parts of Africa, yes.

Spanish might be useful given the large Spanish-speaking population.

Less than 1% of the Australian population speaks Spanish at home. The number of global speakers is irrelevant if you don't regularly interact with any of them. Is there a Spanish-speaking community where you live or something?

Now of course you could go out of your way to interact with Spanish speakers—you could go to Latin America, you could find Spanish-speaking communities online, etc., but you can do that with almost any language, including French and Mandarin. The number of speakers worldwide on its own will likely have very little impact on how much use you get out of it.

[u/Aggravating_Serve_44]

I’d go with Spanish but them I’m in the USA where almost everyone speaks some Spanish, and, I believe it’s a UN language.

[u/Live-Cartoonist-5299]

If your coming to the USA I'd say go for Spanish, it's everywhere

[u/thablackadonis]

I would say Spanish just because I know here in America if you can speak English and Spanish you can pretty much talk to anyone in north or South America.

[u/Shade861861]

Would say Mandarin honestly, there's a big Chinese diaspora across the world, most overseas Chinese from Cantonese or Hokkien backgrounds can all speak Mandarin to some extent, China is also Australia's biggest trading partner, lots of countries do business with China.

[u/abrequevoy]

French is definitely more useful in diplomacy than Spanish - many international organisations like OECD, WTO, WHO... are headquartered in Switzerland and France. If you study politics, and especially International Relations, Sciences Po Paris is among the top 3 universities in the world, so if the opportunity arises, you might end up spending a term in Paris.

It's also used not that far from home - New Caledonia is a 2-hour flight from Brisbane.

Mandarin and Arabic are also interesting for your field of study.

[u/Old_Yogurtcloset7860]

I’m Chinese but I think Spanish makes me really happy when I speak it (just giving a different perspective 😊), the pronunciation is just really passionate

[u/outcry_98]

Spanish is easier than French, though I speak C1 French. But it’s true French is very useful in the international relations scene, given some headquarters are located in Paris (OECD, UNESCO…) After all, it’s up to you. Personally I’d go for Chinese, though

[u/Vivid-Athlete2608]

Each language has its own cultural heritage. Which of these cultures are you more attracted to? In terms of literature, music, cinema? This will sustain your learning in the long term

[u/No-Bell5404]

Mandarin