The Top 6 Fastest Growing Languages

In today’s progressively interconnected world, the prevalence of multilingualism is undoubtedly growing.

The need to learn languages has become more evident as businesses and individuals strive to extend their global reach.

Consequently, staying informed about the most rapidly expanding languages worldwide is vital. Some languages not among the most widespread today may be very popular in some decades.

This article will dig into six of the fastest growing languages in the world. For each language, we will analyze the reasons behind its current spread and its future prospects. Let’s get started.

Experts’ Predictions on the Fastest-Growing Languages in the World

We currently find Urdu, Indonesian, Hindi, and Bengali among the fastest-growing languages. While some of these languages may not be among the most used today, a British Council report suggests that they will hold significant sway in the business world by 2050.

English remains a highly sought-after option for individuals seeking a new language. Additionally, Portuguese has been experiencing rapid growth, boasting approximately 270 million speakers worldwide. This figure seems set to continue its upward trajectory.

Key Factors That Influence The Growth Trends of a Language

Each language’s expansion can be associated with various factors. These include economic and political dominance, cultural sway, and advances in technology.

Let’s take the example of Mandarin Chinese. This language has experienced quick growth over the course of the last decades, mostly because of China’s global economic and political importance on the world’s scene. Something similar happened with English in the past, when it expanded thanks to its role as the lingua franca for international commerce, trade, and diplomacy.

Technology plays a crucial part in the global development and dissemination of languages. The internet has simplified the process of learning and communicating in diverse languages, while social media has enabled the sharing of cultural and linguistic ideas. The rise of remote work has also made it possible for companies to form virtual teams composed of members from different parts of the world. This allows them to hire personnel without needing them to relocate and work from a single physical location. As a result, businesses can now access a larger talent pool and benefit from the diverse perspectives that come with it.

Moreover, globalization trends have increased the movement of people and goods across counties, which has led to the proliferation of various languages and cultures.

This is particularly obvious in big cities, which are becoming increasingly cosmopolitan and multilingual.

The influence of technology and globalization on language growth has had positive and negative consequences. While it has promoted the diffusion of different languages and cultures, it has also contributed to the homogenization and disappearance of some languages and cultural identities.

The 6 Languages With The Most Significant Growth Rates Worldwide

#1 Urdu

Originating in the 12th century in North India around Delhi, the Urdu language boasts a rich and extensive history. Census data reveals that the number of Urdu speakers has increased considerably since 1971. This remarkable growth is attributed to the language’s widespread presence, with native speakers across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries worldwide.

Recently, initiatives have been undertaken to promote and rejuvenate the Urdu language. For instance, numerous schools have incorporated Urdu literature and culture courses into their curriculums.

Experts anticipate that Urdu’s growth rate will persist as people increasingly recognize its significance and worth. Greater awareness will lead to more frequent language usage in daily life and communication. Moreover, technological advancements like machine translation could simplify learning and using Urdu globally.

In conclusion, the future outlook for Urdu appears promising. As long as efforts to encourage its use and appreciation across generations continue, this enchanting language will flourish further over time.

#2 Indonesian

As Indonesia’s official and national language, Indonesian is a standardized form of Malay, which belongs to the Austronesian language family. The rapid growth of Indonesia’s population has contributed to Bahasa Indonesia becoming one of the most rapidly expanding languages in recent history.

The progression of Indonesia as a young nation can be likened to other emerging countries dealing with similar obstacles and challenges. The presence of the Indonesian language as a symbol of national identity has facilitated a sense of unity among its numerous ethnic groups and cultures. Consequently, the Indonesian language has gained broader acceptance and is now commonly used in daily life.

Indonesian was declared the official language of Indonesia back on October 21st, 1928. Subsequently, numerous efforts have been launched to promote the language’s adoption across various sectors, from education to commerce. These endeavors have led to a surge in its utilization both within Indonesia and internationally.

As we move forward, there are abundant opportunities for the growth of the Indonesian language. For instance, increasing investment in education might result in broader acceptance and use among younger generations who have not been exposed to conventional learning methods such as books or television programs. Moreover, advancements in technology, including online translation services, could make Indonesian more accessible to people worldwide.

In general, the Indonesian language is experiencing rapid growth, and it holds the potential for additional expansion in the upcoming years, particularly if suitable investments are directed toward education and technology-related initiatives that encourage its usage domestically and globally.

#3 Hindi

Hindi, the official language of India, ranks among the most extensively spoken languages globally. Recent data indicates that Hindi has experienced a remarkable growth rate over the last decade. From 2001 to 2011, Hindi expanded by 25%, gaining nearly 100 million new speakers. This pattern is anticipated to persist in the upcoming years, with projections estimating that over half of India’s population will speak Hindi by 2031.

Several factors contribute to the growth of Hindi, such as its official language status, its prevalence in numerous countries worldwide, and its promotion within education and governance. Furthermore, demographic changes have also influenced the rise in Hindi speakers. Close to half of India’s population now lives in the ten states with the highest density of Hindi speakers.

Owing to its widespread adoption both within India and internationally, Hindi is anticipated to maintain its prominence as one of the most important languages worldwide in the years to come.

#4 Bengali

Bengali is Bangladesh’s official, national, and predominant language, with 98% of its population speaking Bengali as their mother tongue. Over 230 million individuals across the globe speak Bengali, ranking it among the world’s largest languages.

In Bangladesh, the prevalence of Bengali had consistently risen since 1971, when this language represented 36.99% of the population. By 2011, this figure had increased to 43.63%, demonstrating a stable growth trajectory for the language.

This trend will persist as more people adopt Bengali as their primary language.

Moreover, due to its close connections with Sanskrit and Pali, Bengali has the potential for further expansion in countries where these languages are spoken or studied.

Nevertheless, the Bengali language faces several challenges today. For instance, younger generations increasingly prefer English or other foreign languages over traditional dialects, which could potentially result in a decline in Bengali usage in specific areas.

In conclusion, while some obstacles may hinder the current growth rate of the Bengali language, it’s still a widely spoken language with great potential for further growth within and beyond Bangladesh. With ongoing support from governments and individuals alike, this ancient language can continue to flourish well into the future.

#5 English

English ranks among the most extensively spoken languages worldwide, and its growth has consistently increased over recent decades.

Besides this global expansion, English language learning has experienced a surge in enrollment in countries like Canada and the US. In 2018, Canadian language schools saw a 6% increase in enrollment, while US Intensive English Programs witnessed an 8% growth.

English’s rise as a global language can be linked to various factors, including increased international travel and commerce, technological advancements, and greater access to education. Consequently, more individuals recognize the value of learning English and actively pursue opportunities to do so.

There seems to be a lot of evidence about the fact that English will keep its status as one of the most widespread languages in future decades. With no indication of its current growth rate diminishing anytime soon, it is expected that an increasing number of people will continue to learn and utilize English as their primary means of communication, both domestically and internationally.

#6 Portuguese

Currently, Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language globally, with around 270 million speakers spread across various continents.

The growing population in nations such as Brazil, Mozambique, and Angola has undoubtedly played a part in the surge of Portuguese speakers globally.

Specifically, Brazil has been instrumental in the global proliferation of the Portuguese language, thanks to its flourishing economy and expanding influence on the world stage.

Consequently, the demand for learning Portuguese has surged, especially among business professionals seeking opportunities in Latin America.

Besides economic factors, the cultural allure of Portuguese-speaking countries has also contributed to the language’s growth. Music, literature, and tourism have generated interest in Portuguese, drawing language learners worldwide.

The future prospects for the Portuguese language appear promising, as it is expected to maintain its position among the top ten most spoken languages around the world.

The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is actively working to promote the language and reinforce ties among member nations, further enhancing the

growth and influence of Portuguese.

To summarize, the expansion of the Portuguese language can be credited to economic, cultural, and demographic factors. With ongoing efforts to promote the language and strengthen international connections among Portuguese-speaking countries, the future prospects for Portuguese appear promising.

Some Final Thoughts

It is clear from the above that language learning continues to enjoy an upward trajectory, with various languages experiencing growth for various reasons. Whether driven by economic, social, or cultural factors, the increasing demand for language learning will only increase in the years ahead. With the global population set to reach a record high by 2050, language learning will likely remain popular and its growth rate strong.