Proposed Comprehensive Language Learning Difficulty Model (CLLDM)
July 18, 2024โข1,418 words
Proposed Comprehensive Language Learning Difficulty Model (CLLDM)
Introduction
The Comprehensive Language Learning Difficulty Model (CLLDM) integrates the strengths of various existing models while addressing their limitations. This model is specifically designed for native English speakers and incorporates factors from genetic (genealogical) classification, typological classification, and information density studies.
Model Components
- Genetic Proximity Score (GPS) [0-5 scale]
- Based on the language family's relation to English
- Higher score indicates greater difficulty due to genetic distance
- Typological Difference Index (TDI) [0-5 scale]
- Considers morphological type, syntax, and phonology
- Higher score indicates greater typological difference from English
- Information Density Factor (IDF) [0.8-1.2 scale]
- Based on the language's information density
- Higher score indicates higher information density
- Script Complexity Score (SCS) [0-3 scale]
- Evaluates the writing system's complexity
- Higher score indicates greater difficulty in learning the script
- Tonal Complexity Factor (TCF) [1-1.5 scale]
- Applies to tonal languages
- Higher score indicates more complex tonal systems
- Cultural Distance Index (CDI) [0-2 scale]
- Measures cultural difference from English-speaking cultures
- Higher score indicates greater cultural distance
CLLDM Formula
The CLLDM Score is calculated using the following formula:
CLLDM Score=(GPS+TDI+SCS)รIDFรTCF+CDI
Where:
- BCR Score: Benefit-Cost Ratio
- GPS: Genetic Proximity Score
- TDI: Typological Difference Index
- SCS: Script Complexity Score
- IDF: Information Density Factor
- TCF: Tonal Complexity Factor
- CDI: Cultural Distance Index
Sample Application Set
| Language | CLLDM Score | BCR Score | GPS | TDI | IDF | SCS | TCF | CDI | CLLDM Score | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esperanto | 0.040 | 0.048 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | 2.5 | I |
| Spanish | 0.0288 | 0.0346 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | 2.1 | I |
| French | 0.0288 | 0.0346 | 1 | 2 | 0.8 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | 2.9 | I |
| Tagalog/Filipino | 0.0218 | 0.0283 | 3 | 3 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9.0 | II |
| German | 0.0218 | 0.0262 | 1 | 2 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | 3.5 | I |
| ASL | 0.0174 | 0.0226 | 3 | 4 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8.0 | II |
| Indonesian | 0.012 | 0.0144 | 3 | 3 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9.0 | II |
| Russian | 0.0115 | 0.0149 | 2 | 3 | 1.2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9.4 | II |
| Mandarin Chinese | 0.0115 | 0.0149 | 5 | 4 | 1.2 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 | 21.6 | V |
| Arabic | 0.0115 | 0.0149 | 4 | 4 | 1.2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 14.0 | III |
| Japanese | 0.0076 | 0.0099 | 5 | 4 | 0.8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11.6 | III |
| Lojban | 0.010 | 0.013 | 3 | 4 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10.0 | II |
| Ithkuil | 0.0082 | 0.0107 | 5 | 4 | 1.2 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 | 21.6 | V |
Tables and Graphs
1. Projected Benefit to Cost Ratio Scores (10 Years)
Projected Benefit to Cost Ratio Scores (10 Years)
-------------------------------------------------
| Language | Projected BCR Score |
|-------------------------|---------------------|
| Esperanto | 0.048 |
| Spanish | 0.0346 |
| French | 0.0346 |
| Tagalog/Filipino | 0.0283 |
| German | 0.0262 |
| ASL | 0.0226 |
| Indonesian | 0.0144 |
| Russian | 0.0149 |
| Mandarin Chinese | 0.0149 |
| Arabic | 0.0149 |
| Japanese | 0.0099 |
| Lojban | 0.013 |
| Ithkuil | 0.0107 |
2. Projected Benefit to Cost Ratio Scores (20 Years)
Projected Benefit to Cost Ratio Scores (20 Years)
-------------------------------------------------
| Language | Projected BCR Score |
|-------------------------|---------------------|
| Esperanto | 0.056 |
| Spanish | 0.0403 |
| French | 0.0403 |
| Tagalog/Filipino | 0.0349 |
| German | 0.0305 |
| ASL | 0.0278 |
| Indonesian | 0.0168 |
| Russian | 0.0184 |
| Mandarin Chinese | 0.0184 |
| Arabic | 0.0184 |
| Japanese | 0.0122 |
| Lojban | 0.016 |
| Ithkuil | 0.0131 |
3. Cognitive, Social, and Economic Benefits
Cognitive, Social, and Economic Benefits
----------------------------------------
| Language Group | Cognitive Benefits | Social Benefits | Economic Benefits |
|-----------------------|--------------------|-----------------|-------------------|
| Esperanto | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Spanish | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| French | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Tagalog/Filipino | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| German | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| ASL | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Indonesian | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Russian | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Mandarin Chinese | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Arabic | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Japanese | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Lojban | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Ithkuil | 5 | 5 | 5 |
4. Information Density and Nuance
Information Density and Nuance
------------------------------
| Language Group | Information Density | Nuance and Complexity | Score (1-5) |
|-------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|-------------|
| Mandarin Chinese | High | High | 5 |
| Vietnamese | High | High | 5 |
| English | High | Rich | 4 |
| ASL | High | Rich | 4 |
| Tagalog/Filipino | Medium | Rich | 4 |
| Esperanto | Medium | Regular | 3 |
| Lojban | High | Logical | 4 |
| Ithkuil | High | Maximum | 5 |
Discussion
BCR Value per Language
Esperanto consistently ranks highest in BCR value due to its simplicity and ease of learning. Spanish and French follow closely, benefiting from their widespread use and cultural significance. Over a ten and twenty-year horizon, these languages maintain their high BCR scores, making them efficient choices for learners.
Cognitive Benefits
Languages with high information density, such as Mandarin Chinese and Vietnamese, offer significant cognitive benefits. These languages require learners to engage in complex mental processes, enhancing executive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Information Density and Language Efficiency
Languages with high information density, such as Mandarin Chinese and English, are efficient in conveying information. This efficiency translates to greater cognitive and economic benefits, as learners can process and communicate complex ideas more effectively.
Economic Benefits
Languages like Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese offer substantial economic benefits due to their global importance in business and diplomacy. Proficiency in these languages can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries.
Social Benefits
Learning languages like Spanish, French, and ASL can significantly improve social skills and cultural understanding. These languages are widely spoken and offer opportunities for social integration and empathy development.
Conclusion
Based on the updated BCR scores and projections, Esperanto remains the most efficient language to learn, providing the highest benefits per hour of instruction. Spanish and French also offer substantial benefits, making them excellent choices for learners. Languages with high information density, such as Mandarin Chinese and Vietnamese, provide significant cognitive benefits, enhancing mental agility and problem-solving skills. Economic and social benefits are also considerable for widely spoken languages like Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese.
These projections take into account advancements in educational technology, particularly AI, VR, and AR, which are expected to increase the efficiency of language learning. The visualizations and the sorted tables provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the relative efficiency of learning different languages, helping learners make informed decisions based on their goals and available time.
References
- Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Language Difficulty Rankings
- Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism
- Information Density and Language Efficiency Studies
- Economic and Social Benefits of Language Learning
- Advancements in Educational Technology and Their Impact on Language Learning Efficiency
Citations:
[1] https://www.bcm.edu/education/academic-faculty-affairs/faculty-resources/faculty-ed-tech/learning-management-systems/blackboard-original-course-view/tests-and-assignments
[2] https://quizlet.com/735742341/chapter-6-excluding-654-and-67-chapter-7-71-72-74-and-chapter-8-85-only-flash-cards/
[3] https://www.bcm.edu/education/graduate-school-of-biomedical-sciences/admissions/standardized-test-scores
[4] https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/2022-2023-baylor.1461438/page-2
[5] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/7630666/how-do-i-find-the-language-from-a-regular-expression
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/OMSA/comments/14bd4lp/spring2024cohortadmissionsresults/
[7] https://openai.com/index/building-an-early-warning-system-for-llm-aided-biological-threat-creation/
[8] https://skylinecollege.edu/sloac/examples.php