This is a very generic question and perhaps no answer. It depends what exactly you want to do. For example, if you are going to develop enterprise application(s), then Java probably a better choice and if you want to go after device driver development or something similar, then C (C++) would be a better choice.

IMO, its not the syntax that you should learn by heart, but should develop the ability to learn new languages and techniques the way they are intended. And for this purpose, you have to be strong in fundamentals.