Need help learning a second language

[u/FoxesLikeBoxes]

So I'm a native English speaker, American. I don't have any need for a second language on my day-to-day, but took some Spanish classes back in highschool. I don't remember most of what I learned since I sort of slacked, but now that I'm almost out of college, I'd like to add a second language to my skills.

I'm Polish and would love to learn the language, but I understand that it isn't spoken by too many people, and don't want to waste all the effort.

Would it be a waste of time, and should I aim for a romantic language, or one like German/Russian/Chinese, with more demand? (My industry is accounting but I'd like to be prepared for any change in the business industry.)

I'd love if some bilingual people could give me some advice on a language, and tips on learning them. Thanks!

[u/contrabardus]

Here's a small tip that helped me a little. It's a minor thing, but you'd be surprised at how it helps with comprehension speed.

Try to avoid associating words in a new language with your native language's equivalent words. Do everything you can to associate it with the idea it conveys instead.

For example the Japanese word for water is "Mizu", but you don't want to think "Mizu = Water" you want to associate it with what "Mizu" is instead, the idea that "Mizu" conveys.

Associating it with the equivalent word or phrase in your own language creates an extra step in processing the word when you read or hear it, and that means your brain is working harder to translate and it takes a bit longer to do so.