Duolingo’s Global Language Report 2023: English Reigns Supreme, Korean Surges, and Hindi Gains Momentum
Duolingo, the renowned language learning platform, unveiled its much-anticipated Global Language Report for 2023 on Tuesday. Boasting a staggering 83 million monthly learners globally, these dedicated individuals collectively conquered a remarkable 23 billion learning lessons. The report not only delves into this impressive user engagement but also sheds light on the evolving linguistic landscape.
English maintains its dominance, securing the top spot as the most sought-after language for study worldwide. Remarkably, it claims the number one position in 122 countries, with 49% of learners citing education or work as their motivation. The significance of English is particularly evident in India, where 40% of English learners are driven by educational aspirations, leading them to complete the highest number of daily lessons.
Korean emerges as a rising star, leaping to the sixth position in global rankings. Its appeal extends across major countries, experiencing a staggering 75% year-on-year growth in India, where it has become one of the top 10 languages studied.
Hindi, too, witnessed a surge in popularity, ascending two spots from 10th place in 2022 to claim the 8th spot in 2023. Over 8.4 million learners worldwide are actively engaging with Hindi on Duolingo, securing its position as the second most popular language in India, following closely behind English.
In collaboration with YouGov, Duolingo’s language report reveals intriguing travel trends in India. A survey of 1,022 respondents uncovered that 61% of Indians view relaxation as their primary motivation for travel, alongside a thirst for exploring new cultures and seeking adventure. Additionally, 53% of respondents emphasized the significance of language in activities like ordering at restaurants or understanding directions when navigating foreign places. Notably, 61% of Indians actively make an effort to learn basic phrases in the local language of their travel destinations, reflecting a commendable cultural sensitivity.
Amidst these linguistic revelations, Duolingo continues to be a powerful catalyst in the global language-learning landscape, connecting millions of learners with diverse linguistic pursuits.