Describe a Language You would Like to Learn - IELTS Cue Card

Language learning has become an essential part of modern communication at both the national and global levels. As a result, cue card topics like ‘Describe a language you would like to learn’ are quite common in the IELTS Speaking test, and they not only test your fluency but also evaluate your ability to express motivation, future goals, commitment, and cultural awareness. 

This blog includes two sample answers for ‘Describe a language you would like to learn’ to guide you on how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 2, and some relevant vocabulary and tips so that you will be ready for similar topics.

Describe a Language You would Like to Learn – IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question & Sample Answers

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are allotted exactly one minute for preparation before speaking on the given cue card topic. Since this time limit might not be enough during the test, you must prepare such topics beforehand.

So, explore the sample answers to ‘Describe a language you would like to learn’ cue card given below, and learn what IELTS examiners look for in the speaking test to score better.

Describe a Language You would Like to Learn - Sample Answer 1

• What it is and how you plan to learn it?

India, being a country best known for its cultural diversity, I am intrigued by how languages change after every kilometer. However, a language that I am most interested to learn is Bengali, one of the sweetest-sounding languages in the country. I plan to learn it by enrolling in a local Bengali language course and through daily practice with Bengali friends who live in my neighbourhood. I also follow several Bengali creators online, which makes the learning process both enjoyable and practical.

• Where it is spoken?

Bengali is spoken predominantly in West Bengal, Bangladesh, Tripura, and parts of Assam. It is also one of the most widely spoken languages in the world due to the large population of Bengali speakers.

• How it will help you?

Being able to speak Bengali will help me tremendously. It will allow me to travel more confidently across eastern India, appreciate the works of Rabindranath Tagore, and connect more meaningfully with Bengali communities. Additionally, Bengali films and literature have a unique charm, and understanding the language will enhance my cultural experiences.

• And explain why you want to learn this language.

I want to learn this language mainly because I have always admired the emotional depth and poetic quality of Bengali communication. It feels expressive yet gentle. Unlike people who chase languages only for materialistic benefits, I want to learn Bengali to explore its linguistic, artistic, and cultural richness. I believe that understanding another Indian language deepens my connection with my country’s diversity, and this inspires me to pursue it with sincerity.

Describe a Language You would Like to Learn - Sample Answer 2

• What it is and how you plan to learn it?
• Where it is spoken?

Japanese is a language that I would like to learn. At home, we have a nail cutter brought from some gulf countries. It has something written in Japanese, and I learned it after a google search. Then I became very much interested in learning the language. So, I tried to learn a few words like how to greet someone and such.

Also, I dream of visiting the place and I think it will be a great help if I know the language. As an Indian, I find Japanese letters similar to Hindi letters. But I think there is some way of writing it. If I could master it, I think it would be a great achievement to date. Therefore, I have found some institutions that specialize in teaching the language. Other than that, I am taking the help of free language learning apps and websites to make myself familiar with the basic concepts.

• How it will help you?
• And explain why you want to learn this language.

I think learning a language makes it easier to understand their people and culture. I think a little knowledge of Japanese could help me in such a big country. Moreover, it is a country that has faced several major calamities and may have their own stories to tell. I believe it is their commitment, sacrifice and patience which lead them to mark their own place in history – those which can be best understood by learning their language. Learning their language can only make me capable of knowing their history, developments and culture.

Describe a Language You would Like to Learn - Sample Answer 3

• What it is and how you plan to learn it?
• Where it is spoken?
• How it will help you?

Well, I’m someone who is obsessed with learning something new every day, whether it’s a new dish to test, a new hobby to try, or a new language to learn. Therefore, I’ve always been inquisitive about being multilingual to enhance my employment prospects and verbal skills. Besides, learning foreign languages has become crucial in today’s materialistic world. So, here, I’d like to talk about learning a language that I believe would help me immensely.

Learning the Arabic language had been a long-forgotten hobby of mine, but now I’ve firmly decided to pursue at least a diploma degree in the Arabic language. So, I hunted down a reputable language Institute in my city. To my surprise, many universities across Delhi offer degree and certificate courses in Arabic, which is icing on the cake for me because I won’t have to go outside of the city to learn it. Moreover, I’ll also take some help from online learning language applications to hone my skills in Arabic.

The Arabic language is the 5th most spoken language around the world. Over 300 million native people speak it in almost 26 Arab countries, located in Western Asia and North Africa. Being proficient in the Arabic language will open doors full of opportunities and employment avenues in different fields such as oil business, travel, industrial collaborations, and translations.

• And explain why you want to learn this language.

To be honest, I’m planning to learn the Arabic language because I’m going to apply for a job in an oil company in Qatar. Knowing Arabic would give me a competitive advantage once I’m there. It would also assist me in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the fantastic culture and customs of the Arabic people.

Vocabulary You Can Use For IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe a Language You would Like to Learn

Let’s explore the list of IELTS vocabulary that has been used in the above sample answers, along with some additional words that are relevant to the topic.

Tips for Idea Generation for Topics Similar to ‘Describe a Language You would Like to Learn’

Generating ideas for IELTS Speaking Part 2 becomes much easier when you follow structured thinking methods. Below are useful IELTS Speaking tips to impress the examiner with clear examples to help you produce strong ideas quickly.

Think of a personal inspiration

People connect deeply with personal triggers. Moreover, most strong answers come from authentic motivation. So, use them to build stories. For example: 

• A friend or neighbour who speaks the language and inspires you. Example: “My colleague from Kerala speaks such eloquent Malayalam that it sparked my interest in learning it.”
• A film or song that made you love the sound of the language. Example: “I fell in love with Tamil after listening to A.R. Rahman’s songs—they have a unique rhythm and purity.”
• A memorable travel experience where you struggled to communicate. Example: “When I visited Kolkata, the locals spoke Bengali so beautifully that I felt compelled to learn it one day.”
• A childhood memory connected to a language. Example: “My grandmother used to sing Assamese lullabies, and I always wanted to understand them.”

Connect the language to a goal

Link the language to your future aspirations. When a goal is linked to learning, your answer appears purposeful and mature. For example:

• Career advancement: “I want to work in a Bengaluru-based tech company where Kannada fluency will help me deal with clients.”
• Higher studies abroad or in another state: “If I move to Kolkata for my master’s degree, knowing Bengali will make daily life easier.”
• Cultural connection: “I love South Indian classical music, and understanding Telugu lyrics will deepen my appreciation.”
• Community integration: “Many people in my housing complex speak Marathi, so learning it would make social interactions smoother.”

Use the ‘Where + Why + How’ method

This is a foolproof method that ensures a fluent, well-organised answer as it naturally fills 1–2 minutes of speaking time.

• WHERE is it spoken?

• • States: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal
  • Countries: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
  • Global diaspora: UK, USA, Singapore

• WHY does it interest you?

• • Sounds melodious
  • Has deep literature
  • Helps in travel
  • Personal inspiration

• HOW do you plan to learn it?

• • Apps
  • Books
  • Tutors
  • Friends
  • Immersion

Include emotional reasons & cultural or practical benefits

Emotions make your answer memorable and engaging, which is expected by the examiners. Similarly, showing cultural awareness demonstrates maturity. They make your justification more substantial.

• Emotional Benefits:

• “I feel inspired by…” (Ex: “I feel inspired every time I hear Malayalam poetry—it sounds so rhythmic and profound.”)
• “I have always admired the cultural richness of…” (Ex: “I’ve always admired how expressive Bengali conversations are.” )
• “I’m curious about the traditions and values associated with…”

• Cultural Benefits:

• • Understanding movies, music, festivals: “Learning Bengali will allow me to enjoy Durga Puja celebrations meaningfully.”
  • Reading literature in its original form: “Tamil literature is ancient, and I want to experience it authentically.”

• Practical Benefits:

• • Better communication with locals
  • Stronger relationships with speakers of that language
  • Confidence during travel

Use contrast for stronger ideas

Adding contrast makes your choice more convincing.

• How to use contrast?

• • Compare with another language
  • Explain why that language was less appealing
  • Highlight what makes your chosen language special

For example: “Many of my friends are learning Korean because of K-dramas, but Malayalam appeals to me more because of its rich literary heritage.”

Mention Realistic Learning Strategies

Show the examiner that you have practical and achievable plans. These examples make your answer practical, believable, and Band-8 quality. They are: 

• Mobile apps: Duolingo, Memrise, HelloTalk (Ex: “I plan to use Duolingo for 15 minutes daily to strengthen my vocabulary.”) 
• Language exchange partners: Meet native speakers on apps or in person (Ex: “I want to practise with a Malayalam-speaking colleague during lunch breaks.”)
• Online tutors: YouTube, Udemy, Coursera, private tutors (Ex: “There’s a Bengali teacher on YouTube whose lessons are extremely clear and beginner-friendly.”)
• Immersive travel: Spending time in cities where the language is spoken. (Ex: “A month in Kochi would give me the perfect environment to practise Malayalam daily.”)
• Watching regional content: Films, web series, songs, interviews, news (Ex: “Watching Bengali movies with subtitles will help me pick up natural expressions.”)
• Reading beginner-level books: Children’s books, short stories, comics (Ex: “I plan to start with simple Tamil storybooks to understand the basics.”)
• Joining cultural groups: Local associations, clubs, or volunteer groups (Ex: “There’s a Bengali cultural society in my town, and attending their events will help me practise.”)

To conclude, describing a language you would like to learn is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your curiosity, goals, cultural awareness, and clear communication style. A well-structured answer highlights emotional motivation, practical benefits, and a realistic learning plan. So, take up IELTS Speaking practice tests regularly, and you can transform a simple wish or plan into a compelling, high-scoring speaking performance.

Useful Links:

• Describe a Language Other than English that you Would Like to Learn IELTS Cue Card
• Language - IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, 3 Topic & Model Answers
• Describe a foreign language you want to learn (except English) – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers
• Talk about Something you Would like to Do/Learn in the Future - IELTS Cue Card
• Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Speaking Test
• What Happens if You Don't Speak for Full 2 Minutes in IELTS Speaking Test?