Language Learning Market by Age Group (<18 years, 18-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, >40 years), Language (English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese), End User (B2C, B2B), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

Language Learning Market Size & Forecast

The Language Learning Market is expected to reach $124.6 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of the language learning market is driven by globalization and the growing need for cross-border communication, minimal platform price of language learning applications, and increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in e-learning. Furthermore, the growing preference for multilingual employees by multinational companies and increasing investments in start-ups and small companies teaching languages are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the language learning market.

Language Learning Market Growth Drivers

Globalization and the Growing Need for Cross-border Communication

As globalization continues to reshape the landscape of business, culture, and education, the ability to bridge linguistic gaps has become a key factor to success. Globalization has opened doors to new opportunities, connecting individuals, businesses, and communities across geographical boundaries. However, with this increased connectivity comes the challenge of overcoming language barriers. Languages such as English, which were once considered a universal language for international communication, are no longer sufficient to cater to the diverse linguistic needs of a global audience. Hence, companies must overcome language barriers to survive and thrive in the global economy. As a result, the focus of economic activity is moving away from English-speaking regions. Also, overseas consumers increasingly prefer to access information in their language; over 60% of online consumers are estimated to refrain from buying from English-only websites. Also, nearly 72.4% of customers are more likely to buy products with information in their native language. These factors have spurred the demand for language learning solutions, indicating a vibrant market trajectory ahead. This growing demand for cross-border communication has increased the need for language learning in the coming years.

Click here to: Get Free Sample Pages of this Report

Increasing Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in E-learning

Technological advancements have significantly enhanced the accessibility of online language learning, propelled by Internet-of-Things (IoT), cloud computing, internet, and wearables. Several companies are intensively focused on the modernization of foreign language education, harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks to initiate a transformative shift in learning paradigms, benefiting students, educators, and enterprises. AI's feature to personalize teaching methods substantially reduces the time and financial commitments associated with language courses. The surging demand for mobile devices is driving a surge in app development that utilizes AI, machine learning, and big data. Also, the e-learning market is experiencing rapid expansion, offering a seamless bridge for global connectivity and adaptable, cost-efficient learning solutions. By incorporating neural networks and AI tools in e-learning platforms, education is being improved for students, teachers, and businesses. This results in personalized content and effective monitoring of progress. Such factors help to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Language Learning Market Opportunities

Growing Investments in Start-ups and Small Companies Teaching Languages

 Investments in start-ups and small companies focused on teaching languages have been on the rise in recent years. This surge in funding is driven by the growing recognition of the importance of language proficiency in a globalized world and the increasing demand for innovative language learning solutions. Also, the demand for effective language education has skyrocketed with the rise of international business opportunities, study abroad programs, and the need for enhanced career prospects.

The global demand for higher education is expected to increase through 2040, and nearly 600 million students will be enrolled in universities worldwide by 2040. This staggering number presents a unique opportunity for education start-ups to expand their product portfolios and cater to the language learning needs of these learners. Recognizing the immense potential, several companies, including start-ups, have received investments for accelerating language learning platforms. For instance, in March 2023, Speakeasy Labs, Inc. (U.S.), a leading language learning platform that uses artificial intelligence, announced that it had raised over USD 27 million in Series B funding led by OpenAI Startup Fund (U.S.). The injection of funds will propel Speakeasy Labs' efforts to expedite the development of new conversational language experiences through generative AI, faster expansion to new regions and languages, and further enhance their offerings. Such factors provide lucrative growth opportunities in the market during the forecast period.

Language Learning Market Challenges

Lack of Trained Professionals to Teach Languages

A major challenge for the education sector is to recruit qualified teachers to impart valuable education. In the next 14 years, several countries must recruit 68.8 million teachers to provide every child with primary and secondary education, of which 24.4 million primary school teachers and 44.4 million secondary school teachers (Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics). Sweden and South Africa share a common societal challenge, along with many other countries in the world, the lack of qualified teachers to support societal knowledge development.

In the U.S., over 50% of new teachers quit their jobs within five years. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future generation. In India, some of the major factors for the lack of effective and competent teachers are inadequate training at the teacher-training (B.Ed.) level and teachers who were not offered teaching of English at the B.Ed. Level, a lack of initiative & innovation in teachers, and the absence of the right motivation as teachers are motivated only to get their students through examinations. These challenges hamper the development of the language learning market.

Language Learning Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Age Group: The <18 years Segment to Dominate the Language Learning Market in 2024

Based on age group, the global language learning market is segmented into <18 years, 18-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, and >40 years. In 2024, the <18 years segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 43.0% of the language learning market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising preference for interactive and engaging learning experiences, the increasing demand for language skills to work and collaborate across borders, expanding higher education opportunities, and the increasing need for immersive and practical language practice. Learning new languages can increase verbal and spatial reasoning, long and short-term memory, problem-solving ability, and the potential for creative expressions.

However, the 18-20 years segment is projected to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing need to enhance employability and competitiveness in job opportunities, the need for a deeper engagement with diverse cultures, history, and arts, and the growing need for study abroad enrichment. This age group comprises high school students who are strongly dedicated to achieving higher academic excellence and nurturing cognitive growth. They exhibit an enthusiastic approach to embracing various languages and cultures. Language learning allows students to participate in courses via the Internet.

By Language: The English Segment to Dominate the Language Learning Market in 2024

Based on language, the global language learning market is segmented into English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and other languages. In 2024, the English language segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 67.0% of the language learning market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising demand for English language learning programs, rising globalization & urbanization, the growing number of English language learners worldwide, the growing popularity of English language proficiency tests, and increasing emphasis on English language learning in schools and educational institutions.

However, the Mandarin language segment is projected to record the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Mandarin is a group of Sinitic languages and dialects natively spoken across most of northern and southwestern China. Mandarin has gained official status in China, Taiwan, and Singapore. It has the largest number of native speakers of any language and is spoken by over 70% of the Chinese population. According to Busuu Online S.L. (Spain), as of May 2022, Mandarin ranked second among the most spoken languages globally, with 1,117 million speakers worldwide. Such factors drive the growth of the Mandarin language segment during the forecast period.

By End User: The B2B Segment to Dominate the Language Learning Market in 2024

Based on end user, the global language learning market is segmented into B2C and B2B. In 2024, the B2B segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 56.0% of the language learning market. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing need for Industry-specific language skills to communicate effectively with international clients, partners, and markets; the growing need to enhance business communication; and the rising demand for language training for various organizations such as government, education, and private sectors.

However, the B2C segment is projected to record the highest CAGR over the forecast period. This segment's growth is driven by the increasing need for Industry-specific language skills to communicate effectively with international clients, partners, and markets, the growing need to enhance business communication, and the rising demand for language training for various organizations such as the government, education, and private sectors.

Geographic Analysis

Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Language Learning Market in 2024

In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of over 49.2% of the language learning market. The growth of this market is attributed to the influx of multinational companies, government initiatives to strengthen national education networks, growing government focus on the education sector, rapidly developing economies, and increasing disposable incomes leading to increased Internet penetration. Asia-Pacific holds tremendous growth opportunities for the language learning market. Market players in this region are adopting various strategies to broaden their product portfolios, advance the capabilities of their existing products, cater to the changing needs of the users, and ensure a competitive edge in the language learning market. Various key players in this market launch various initiatives in the development of the market. For instance, in 2022, Hallo Inc. (U.S.) launched its app in India to help Indians learn English from native teachers and practice speaking with other students across the globe.

Moreover, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to register the highest CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period.

Language Learning Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the product portfolios and geographic presence of leading market players and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past three to four years. The key players operating in the language learning market include Cambridge University Press (U.K.), New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (China), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company (U.S.), McGraw-Hill Education, Inc. (U.S.), Duolingo Inc. (U.S.), Berlitz Corporation (U.S.), Busuu Online S.L. (Spain), Babble GMBH (Germany), Linguistica 360, Inc. (U.S.), Mondly (Romania), ELSA Corp. (U.S.), FluentU (China), Memrise Inc. (U.K.), Mango Languages (U.S.), Rosetta Stone Ltd. (U.S.), Inlingua International Ltd. (Switzerland), Sanako Corporation (Finland), Transparent Language, Inc. (U.S.), and Open Education LLC (U.S.).

Language Learning Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In March 2023, Duolingo Inc. (U.S.) launched “Duolingo Max,” a new AI-powered personal tutor feature for language learners with options, such as Explain My Answer and Roleplay, developed with the latest technology from OpenAI. This feature empowers users to practice real-world conversational skills with app-based characters. The seamless integration of AI with e-learning helps enhance the efficiency, engagement, and personalization of language learning experiences.
• In June 2022, Twinkl (Vietnam) partnered with Elsa Company Limited (Vietnam) to offer an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered English training solution that provides high-quality English training.
• In April 2022, the UAE Ministry of Education, Renaissance Learning, Inc. (U.S.), and Knowledge Hub (U.K.) signed an agreement to launch a project to improve English reading standards for more than 380,000 students in primary and secondary Emirati schools.
• In March 2022, Immerse Inc. (U.S.) announced that it had raised approximately USD 9 million in Series B funding to become the first language immersion learning platform to bring its fully immersive, instructor-led, multiplayer language learning experiences directly to language learners worldwide in the metaverse. This investment brings the company’s total capital raised to USD 11.5 million.

Language Learning Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the language learning market report: