diff --git a/mesonbuild/interpreter.py b/mesonbuild/interpreter.py
index 11eceae58..9811b0af5 100644
--- a/mesonbuild/interpreter.py
+++ b/mesonbuild/interpreter.py
@@ -3117,6 +3117,12 @@ external dependencies (including libraries) must go to "dependencies".''')
         return should
 
     def add_languages_for(self, args, required, for_machine: MachineChoice):
+        langs = set(self.coredata.compilers[for_machine].keys())
+        langs.update(args)
+        if 'vala' in langs:
+            if 'c' not in langs:
+                raise InterpreterException('Compiling Vala requires C. Add C to your project languages and rerun Meson.')
+
         success = True
         for lang in sorted(args, key=compilers.sort_clink):
             lang = lang.lower()
@@ -3154,11 +3160,6 @@ external dependencies (including libraries) must go to "dependencies".''')
                            mlog.bold(' '.join(comp.linker.get_exelist())), comp.linker.id, comp.linker.version)
             self.build.ensure_static_linker(comp)
 
-        langs = self.coredata.compilers[for_machine].keys()
-        if 'vala' in langs:
-            if 'c' not in langs:
-                raise InterpreterException('Compiling Vala requires C. Add C to your project languages and rerun Meson.')
-
         return success
 
     def program_from_file_for(self, for_machine, prognames, silent):