- Duolingo Language Report names English as the most popular language learned
According to data from language learning app Duolingo, English remained the most popular language to study worldwide in 2023.
The results were announced as part of the annual Language Report, which reveals broader trends behind the study of languages in the Duolingo app.
In 2023, English retained its place as the most learned language, as it did in 122 countries around the world.
India topped the list for the highest number of English lessons completed through the app every day, with Indians motivated to learn English on Duolingo due to its increased use among younger generations, as well as in educational settings and the workplace.
A large percentage of English learners in India (40%), Vietnam (50%) and China (54%) all cited education as the main motivation for their language study, the report said.
Eve Myles is seen here at an event for This Morning in July 2018
In 2023, the total number of Welsh language learners exceeded 3 million app users. Pictured: Welsh-speaking singer Cerys Matthews
Taron Egerton attends the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California
Welsh actor Rhys Ifans poses at the UK premiere of the TV series 'House of the Dragon' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square and Cineworld in London on August 15, 2022
Welsh grew 38% in 2023 compared to 2022, when it rose 26%. The total number of Welsh language learners exceeded 3 million users on the app – a boost for the Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050 campaign, which aims to have 1 million Welsh speakers in Wales by the second half of the 21st century to have.
Manon Cadwaladr, Chairman of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, said: 'At Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, the national body that leads, develops and promotes Welsh interpreting and translation, we couldn't be happier to see so many students improving their Welsh with Duolingo .
“Welsh needs more speakers as we aim for the target of 1 million speakers by 2050 and Duolingo is a great place to practice and learn,” Ms Cadwaladr added.
'It's no surprise that the number of Welsh students on Duolingo is skyrocketing. Welsh is cool. It is a beautiful language, rich in meaning, musical and lyrical. It also opens the door to the vastness of Welsh culture with all its magic and mystery,” says Gwern Gwynfil, CEO of YesCymru.
“Now that technology has made the language accessible to everyone, it's no wonder that so many are seizing the opportunity to dip their toes into the adventure of learning Welsh,” Mr Gwynfil continued.
It is also indicative of the revival of confidence in Wales itself. A renewal and a new appreciation for everything we have to offer worldwide. A vibrant, living language that belongs to all of Wales.”
It comes as Korean overtook Italian in the global language rankings, rising to number six on the list.
The rise of Korean is due to a younger cohort taking up the language: 86% of people studying the language are under the age of 30.
As a result, Korean lessons on Duolingo increased by 16 percent in the UK, and by an impressive 75 percent in India.
The rise means Korean is now one of the top 10 languages studied in some of the world's largest countries, including India, where it has grown 75% year-on-year.
Other language trends also saw Portuguese replace Russian for tenth place in the list of most popular languages.
The Duolingo Language Report 2023 contains information about students who studied languages on Duolingo between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023.