The Economist Data Graphic

Language Learning Cognitive Difficulty & Trajectory Map

Grounded in FSI (Foreign Service Institute) class-hour standards and linguistic proximity data
45 min/day
Select Target Languages for Trajectory Comparison:

Cognitive Friction Breakdown

5-Axis Proximity Radar (Writing System, Phonology, Grammar, Vocab, Idiom)

Time-to-Fluency Trajectory

Cumulative Study Hours & Projected Calendar Years

Detailed FSI Metric Breakdown & Milestone Projections

Comparing required classroom hours against current daily practice pace
Language FSI Category Classroom Hours Calendar Years (@ current rate) Script Complexity Phonology Friction Grammar Distance
Source baseline: U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Language Difficulty Categories for English Speakers.
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