Hey, Language Learner!
Struggling to pick the best languages to learn for 2024? I’ve been there, and as a language enthusiast, I can help!
Learning a foreign language is crucial for career advancement and business opportunities domestically and abroad.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When deciding on the best languages to learn, consider your personal goals and these objective factors:
1. Native speakers
2. Total speakers
3. Countries where it’s dominant
4. Geographical coverage
5. Gateway potential
6. Commercial Importance
7. Internet presence
8. Cultural significance.
Choosing a language to learn can be driven by personal reasons:
- You might need German for medical studies.
- Spanish might be helpful at work.
- Perhaps a loved one speaks Polish.
- Or, maybe your love for anime sparks a desire to learn Japanese.
But beyond personal reasons, here are some objective factors to consider when choosing a language:
This advice comes from my experience and data analysis. In my university days, I set a goal to learn all major languages (defined as those spoken by over 50 million people). Almost thirty years later, I’m nearing that goal, having also picked up some minor languages along the way.
Here are the top 21 languages to learn in 2024, based on eight criteria:
- Number of native speakers.
- Total number of speakers.
- Number of countries where the language is official or dominant
Geographical area covered. - Gateway language potential (how well it unlocks other languages).
- Importance for commerce and job opportunities.
- Ranking in terms of internet content.
- Cultural and historical significance.
Let me point out here that the fifth criterion focuses on how well a language acts as a bridge to understanding and learning other languages due to linguistic and cultural similarities. This is crucial if you want to learn or at least understand a wider range of languages.
Let’s start
1. English (Most Widely Spoken Langauge)
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 360 million. English is the first language in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 1.5 billion.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 67.
Geographical Area Covered: Global.
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps learn other Germanic languages and understand international culture.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: Very high; dominant language in the global business world, science, and technology.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 1st
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich literary tradition, influential in global media, science, and politics.
Time to Learn: 600-750 hours
Reason to Learn: Global communication, career advancement, travel.
Where to Learn: Online courses, language schools, universities.
Learning Curve: Moderate (2/5)
2. Mandarin Chinese (Official Language)
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 918 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 1.1 billion.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 3 (China, Taiwan, Singapore)
Geographical Area Covered: East Asia
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps understand other Chinese dialects and East Asian cultures.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: Very high; essential for business in China, the world’s second-largest economy.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 2nd
Cultural and Historical Significance: Thousands of years of rich history, literature, and philosophy.
Time to Learn: 2,200 hours. Mandarin Chinese is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn.
Reason to Learn: Economic opportunities, cultural understanding, travel.
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, Confucius Institutes.
Learning Curve: Steep (5/5)
3. Spanish
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 460 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 580 million.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 21
Geographical Area Covered: Spain, Latin America, and parts of the United States.
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps in learning other Romance languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; widely spoken in international business, especially in the Americas.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 3rd
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich literary and artistic traditions, significant historical influence in the Americas. Learning Spanish can enhance experiences at cultural heritage sites in Spanish-speaking countries.
Time to Learn: 600-750 hours.
Reason to Learn: Travel, cultural experiences, business opportunities.
Where to Learn: Online courses, language schools, universities.
Learning Curve: Moderate (2/5).
4. French
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 77 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 300 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 29
Geographical Area Covered: Europe, Africa, North America, Oceania
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps in learning other Romance languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; important in international diplomacy and global organizations. French is also significant in business, particularly in fashion, food, and luxury goods.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 5th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, philosophy, art, and fashion.
Time to Learn: 600-750 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural appreciation, international relations, travel
Where to Learn: Online courses, Alliance Française, universities
Learning Curve: Moderate (2/5)
5. German
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 76 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 130 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 6
Geographical Area Covered: Central Europe
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps in learning other Germanic languages. German is part of the Germanic language family, which shares cultural and linguistic characteristics.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; important in Europe’s engineering, science, and business.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 6th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich literary and philosophical tradition and significant scientific contributions.
Time to Learn: 750 hours
Reason to Learn: Business opportunities, cultural heritage, academic research
Where to Learn: Online platforms, Goethe-Institut, universities
Learning Curve: Moderate (3/5)
6. Japanese
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 125 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 126 million
Japanese is also considered East Asia’s third most spoken language, making it crucial for regional business and cultural interactions.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 1 (Japan)
Geographical Area Covered: Japan
Gateway Language Potential: Low; specific to Japan, but can aid in learning other East Asian languages due to shared kanji characters.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; important in technology and business in East Asia.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 4th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, film, anime, and traditional arts.
Time to Learn: 2,200 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural exploration, business opportunities, travel. Japanese is popular among language learners due to its rich cultural heritage.
Where to Learn: Online courses, universities, language institutes
Learning Curve: Steep (5/5)
7. Italian
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 65 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 85 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 4 (Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City)
Geographical Area Covered: Southern Europe
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps in learning other Romance languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: Moderate; significant in art, fashion, and culinary industries.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 12th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in art, music, and history, it has a key influence on Western culture.
Time to Learn: 600-750 hours
Reason to Learn: Art and culture appreciation, travel, culinary interests.
Learning Italian can also enhance your experience when visiting some of the most cultural heritage sites in the world.
Where to Learn: Online platforms, language schools, universities
Learning Curve: Moderate (2/5)
8. Hindi
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 341 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 600 million.
Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 3 (India, Fiji, Nepal)
Geographical Area Covered: South Asia
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps understand other Indian languages and cultures.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant for business in India, a major emerging market.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 10th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, Bollywood cinema, and historical texts.
Time to Learn: 1,100 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural insight, travel, expanding business opportunities
Where to Learn: Online courses, universities, language schools
Learning Curve: Moderate (4/5)
9. Arabic
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 310 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 420 million.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 26.
Geographical Area Covered: Middle East, North Africa.
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps learn other Semitic languages and understand the Arab world.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant in international business, oil industry, and diplomacy.
The importance of learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) for business and international affairs cannot be overstated, as it is widely used in governments, businesses, and journalistic practices globally.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 7th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich literary and religious tradition, significant historical influence.
Time to Learn: 2,200 hours. Arabic is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn.
Reason to Learn: Cultural and religious understanding, business opportunities, travel
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, language centers
Learning Curve: Steep (5/5)
10. Korean
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 77 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 80 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 2 (South Korea, North Korea)
Geographical Area Covered: Korean Peninsula
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps understand East Asian languages and cultures.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant for business in South Korea, a technology hub.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 9th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in traditional arts, K-pop, and cinema.
Time to Learn: 2,200 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural immersion, business opportunities, entertainment
Where to Learn: Online courses, universities, language institutes
Learning Curve: Steep (4/5)
11. Portuguese
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 232 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 265 million.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 9.
Geographical Area Covered: Portugal, Brazil, parts of Africa and Asia. Portuguese is also widely spoken in several countries in South America, where it plays a crucial role in economic opportunities and growth, particularly in Brazil.
Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps in learning other Romance languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant for business in Brazil and Portugal.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 8th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich literary and musical tradition, significant historical influence.
Time to Learn: 600-750 hours
Reason to Learn: Travel, cultural exchange, business opportunities
Where to Learn: Online platforms, language schools, universities
Learning Curve: Moderate (2/5)
12. Russian
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 153 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 258 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 4 (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan)
Geographical Area Covered: Eastern Europe, Central Asia
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps in learning other Slavic languages. Russian belongs to the same language family as other Slavic languages, sharing cultural and linguistic characteristics.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant in energy, technology, and international relations.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 5th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, science, and history.
Time to Learn: 1,100 hours
Reason to Learn: Business opportunities, cultural exploration, travel.
Where to Learn: Online courses, universities, language centers.
Learning Curve: Moderate (4/5)
13. Finnish
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 5 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 6 million.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 1 (Finland)
Finnish is the official language of Finland.
Geographical Area Covered: Finland
Gateway Language Potential: Low; specific to Finland, but helps understand Uralic languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: Moderate; significant in Finland’s technology and design sectors.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: Low
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, music, and design.
Time to Learn: 1,100 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural exploration, travel, and business in Finland
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, language schools
Learning Curve: Steep (4/5)
14. Indonesian
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 43 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 199 million.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 1 (Indonesia).
Geographical Area Covered: Southeast Asia.
Indonesian is a widely spoken language in the region, which is essential for career development and international business.
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps learn Malay and understand Southeast Asian cultures.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant in business and trade in Southeast Asia.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: Moderate
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in traditional arts and history.
Time to Learn: 900 hours
Reason to Learn: Business opportunities, travel, cultural exploration
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, language institutes
Learning Curve: Moderate (3/5)
15. Swahili
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 16 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 75 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 6 (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Comoros)
Geographical Area Covered: East Africa
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps in learning other Bantu languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant in East African trade and regional communication.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: Low
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in oral traditions, music, and literature.
Time to Learn: 900 hours
Reason to Learn: Travel, cultural engagement, business in East Africa
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, language schools
Learning Curve: Moderate (3/5)
16. Bengali
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 230 million.
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 265 million.
Bengali is the third most spoken language in the world.
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 2 (Bangladesh, India).
Geographical Area Covered: South Asia.
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps understand other Indian languages and cultures.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant in business and cultural sectors in South Asia.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 7th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, music, and cinema.
Time to Learn: 1,100 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural immersion, travel, business opportunities
Where to Learn: Online courses, universities, language schools
Learning Curve: Steep (4/5)
17. Vietnamese
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 86 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 95 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 1 (Vietnam)
Geographical Area Covered: Southeast Asia.
Vietnamese is a widely spoken language in the region, and it is important for various industries, including international business, tourism, and job opportunities.
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps in understanding other Austroasiatic languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant in business and trade in Southeast Asia.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: Moderate
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in history and traditional arts.
Time to Learn: 1,100 hours
Reason to Learn: Travel, business opportunities, cultural exploration
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, language institutes
Learning Curve: Steep (4/5)
18. Punjabi
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 125 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 150 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 2 (India, Pakistan)
Geographical Area Covered: South Asia
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps in understanding other Indo-Aryan languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: Moderate; significant in cultural and regional business.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: Low
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in music, dance, and literature.
Time to Learn: 1,100 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural exploration, travel, community engagement
Where to Learn: Online courses, universities, community centers
Learning Curve: Steep (4/5)
19. Turkish
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 75 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 88 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 2 (Turkey, Cyprus)
Geographical Area Covered: Turkey, Cyprus, parts of Europe and the Middle East
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps in understanding other Turkic languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: High; significant in regional trade and business.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: 15th
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, history, and arts.
Time to Learn: 1,100 hours
Reason to Learn: Travel, cultural heritage, business opportunities
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, language schools
Learning Curve: Moderate (3/5)
20. Romanian
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 24 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 28 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 2 (Romania, Moldova)
Geographical Area Covered: Eastern Europe
Gateway Language Potential: Moderate; helps in learning other Romance languages with some Slavic influences.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: Moderate; significant within Eastern Europe.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: Low
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, music, and folklore.
Time to Learn: 600-750 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural exploration, travel, understanding Eastern European history
Where to Learn: Online courses, language schools, universities
Learning Curve: Moderate (3/5)
21. Swedish
Number of Native Speakers: Approximately 10 million
Total Number of Speakers: Approximately 13 million
Number of Countries Where the Language is Official or Dominant: 2 (Sweden, Finland)
Geographical Area Covered: Scandinavia
Gateway Language Potential: High; helps in learning other Scandinavian languages.
Importance for Commerce and Job Opportunities: Moderate; significant within Scandinavia.
Ranking in Terms of Internet Content: Moderate
Cultural and Historical Significance: Rich in literature, design, and history.
Time to Learn: 600-750 hours
Reason to Learn: Cultural appreciation, travel, and career opportunities in Scandinavia
Where to Learn: Online platforms, universities, language institutes
Learning Curve: Easy (2/5)
What Are The Benefits Of Learning A Language?
1. Cognitive Benefits
Enhanced Brain Function: Learning a new language improves brain function, enhances memory, and can delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.
Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Multilingual individuals often show better problem-solving abilities, creativity, and multitasking skills.
Higher Academic Achievement: Studies suggest that students who study foreign languages perform better in other academic areas.
2. Career Opportunities
Increased Employability: Bilingual or multilingual individuals are in high demand in the global job market, especially in fields such as international business, diplomacy, and translation.
Language skills can significantly enhance career prospects by opening doors to diverse markets and facilitating meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.
Higher Salaries: Knowledge of a second language can lead to better job prospects and higher salaries.
High language proficiency is particularly important for jobs involving presentations and interactions with foreign clients, where advanced proficiency levels, such as those estimated by the CEFR, are often required.
Global Mobility: Knowing multiple languages can provide more opportunities to work and live abroad.
3. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Deeper Cultural Understanding: Learning a language often involves learning about the associated culture, leading to greater cultural sensitivity and appreciation. Knowing official languages is crucial for global careers and international business goals.
Global Mobility: Knowing multiple languages can provide more opportunities to work and live abroad.
3. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Deeper Cultural Understanding: Learning a language often involves learning about the associated culture, leading to greater cultural sensitivity and appreciation. Knowing official languages is crucial for global careers and international business goals.
Enriched Travel Experiences: Knowing the local language can greatly enhance travel experiences, allowing for more meaningful interactions and deeper cultural immersion.
4. Personal Growth
Increased Confidence: Successfully learning and using a new language can promote self-esteem and confidence.
Broader Perspective: Exposure to different languages and cultures can broaden one’s worldview and facilitate open-mindedness. Learning official languages in international organizations like the United Nations is significant for international relations, diplomacy, and trade.
5. Social Benefits
Expanded Social Networks: Learning a new language can help you make new friends and expand your social networks across different cultures.
Improved Communication Skills: Language learning enhances overall communication skills, including listening and speaking abilities in one’s native language.
6. Health Benefits
Mental Health: Engaging in language learning can reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
Delayed Dementia: Studies have shown that being bilingual can delay the onset of dementia and other symptoms of cognitive decline.
7. Educational Advantages For Language Learners
Access to Original Works: Learning a new language allows access to literature, films, and other cultural works in their original form, providing a richer experience.
Academic Opportunities: Many scholarships and academic programs require or favor applicants with knowledge of foreign languages.
Final Thoughts
Well done to us! We have just covered the top 21 languages to learn in 2024, highlighting their importance for native speakers, job opportunities, cultural significance, and more.
Each language has its own unique benefits and challenges, so consider what aligns best with your personal and professional goals.
Happy Learning !
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to a list of Questions We Get Asked the most.
Source: techreport
