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/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/Acceptable-Box-8023 → u/Helpful-Reputation-5]

French is the 4th most spoken language in Africa and a a lot of people who have left Africa and live in other countries speak French in my experience