[kele]

I suggest you don't start reading about writing compilers if you know only C-derivatives.

As for the choice of a functional language for a beginner, I think you just should pick whatever has better introductory materials available. You're likely to experience a big mental shift by using a functional language for the first time. It was a struggle for me, at least. That being said, I'd recommend a Lisp derivative - Racket. It has a very nice tutorial and a good IDE. Also, John Carmack's son game in Racket: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10111479