You've asked one of those questions that starts flame wars. (Personally, I like Pascal.)
The real answer is: it doesn't really matter.
You might choose one language over another based on what you have in mind to do with it. But if you just want to learn programming then pick one you think you'll like and start there. Good choices to begin with include C++, Python, Pascal, and SmallTalk. These are all imperative, object-oriented, mainstream languages with GUI capabilities and RAD environments.
The C and C++ forums on this board are the most active, so C++ might be a good choice if you want help here. So would Python. I and a couple of other people here can help you in Pascal, but there are other places with dedicated Pascal and SmallTalk and etc. forums you'd want to find.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by Duoas; Nov 29th, 2007 at 6:32 pm.
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