12/14/23
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5 min
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Lingosnap Team
Duolingo Report Learnings
Over the last three years, Duolingo has been keeping tabs on the most sought-after languages on their platform. In this article, let's dig into these language trends and ponder whether aspiring polyglots should follow the crowd.
When it comes to global communication, it's no secret that English takes the crown. It's the go-to language for many, but what about the non-English options? Which Western and Asian languages are making waves?
According to Duolingo's reports spanning the last three years, Spanish emerges as the undisputed champion among Western languages. A whopping 34 countries have chosen Spanish as their top language to learn. No shocker there – after all, Spanish is spoken by over 7.5% of the world's population. Following closely is French, securing the second spot with 22 countries opting to parlez-vous.
Shifting our focus to Asia, the rising sun of language learning is undeniably Japanese. It clinches the top spot, attracting learners from five countries. Meanwhile, Korean nabs second place, being the language of choice for one eager nation. The international influence of both Japan and Korea likely contributes to the surge in learners.
So, should you hitch your language-learning wagon to these top picks? Well, the numbers suggest that learning Spanish, French, Japanese, or Korean could be a smart move. These languages not only open doors to vibrant cultures but also connect you to a significant chunk of the global population.
However, should you always learn the most popular languages?
Embarking on the journey of language learning is akin to sowing seeds for a fruitful future. While the allure of popular languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean is undeniable, it begs the question – is it always the right path to tread?
Popular Languages
Pros
Wider Utility: Opting for a popular language like Spanish, Mandarin, or French can bring practical benefits due to their global prevalence.
Job Opportunities: Proficiency in a sought-after language can swing open the doors to more job opportunities, especially in multinational corporations or industries with a high demand for specific languages.
Resources Abound: Dive into a sea of language learning resources – courses, tutors, and practice materials – readily available for popular languages.
Cons
Competition: With many individuals flocking to popular languages, the competition can be fierce, making it a bit like finding a needle in a haystack.
Saturated Job Markets: In certain fields, the job market may overflow with speakers of popular languages.
Less Well-Known Languages
Pros
Specialized Opportunities: Mastery of a less well-known language can carve a niche, making you an invaluable asset in specific industries or regions.
Cultural Understanding: Delving into less mainstream languages can gift you a unique perspective and cultural insight.
Cons
Limited Practical Use: Depending on the language, opportunities to use it in daily life or specific professional contexts may be scarce.
Limited Resources: Learning materials for less well-known languages might be like searching for a needle in a haystack compared to popular ones.
To sum it up
When deciding which language to learn, consider a few things. If you're aiming for career growth, look into the languages in demand in your industry or target companies. If a less common language piques your interest, go for it! Learning something you're genuinely curious about can be very rewarding. And if you're not sure, you can take a middle-of-the-road approach. Start with a practical, popular language, and later on, try your hand at less common languages to broaden your skills. It's like having the best of both worlds!
So, whether you go for the popular crowd-pleasers or opt for the road less traveled, the key lies in aligning your language choices with your aspirations and passions. After all, the language you choose is not just a tool; it's a gateway to a world of possibilities. All the best!