* Your native language: A speaker of a Romance language like Spanish or Italian might find French easier to learn than someone whose native tongue is, say, Korean. Similarly, someone familiar with Indo-European languages might find Sanskrit less daunting than someone who speaks a language from a completely different language family.
* Your learning goals: If you only need to learn basic French for travel, it will be significantly easier than mastering Sanskrit for academic study.
* Your learning style and motivation: Some people pick up languages quickly, while others struggle. Your dedication to learning and the methods you use will also impact how difficult you find each language.
* The specific aspects of the language you find challenging: For example, French pronunciation might be easier for some than Sanskrit's complex system of sounds and grammar.
Here's a breakdown of potential challenges:
French:
* Pronunciation: French sounds can be tricky for English speakers, especially nasal vowels and silent letters.
* Grammar: While French grammar is relatively straightforward, it has gendered nouns, verb conjugations, and different tenses to master.
Sanskrit:
* Pronunciation: Sanskrit has a complex phonetic system with many sounds unfamiliar to English speakers.
* Grammar: Sanskrit grammar is highly complex, with intricate declension systems for nouns and verbs, and a vast vocabulary.
* Writing system: Sanskrit uses a unique alphabet called Devanagari, which can be challenging to learn.
In summary:
* French might be considered easier for those with exposure to Romance languages and a basic understanding of Latin-based alphabets.
* Sanskrit presents a more significant challenge due to its complex pronunciation, grammar, and writing system, especially for those without prior exposure to Indo-European languages.
Ultimately, the "easier" language for you will depend on your individual circumstances and learning goals.