Language Learning Across The World

We know that learning in schools is sharply declining, with only 32% of British pupils saying they could read or write in another language, compared to an EU average of 80%. But which languages are being taught across the world and where are we losing multilingualism in our society?

Scotland

One language, usually French is taught from the age of 5, and a second language, often Spanish, German, Gaelic, Mandarin, or Italian is studied from around age 9. Aged 15, pupils can choose to take one or more languages to sit exams in, however, for many pupils, this is the permanent end of their language learning. Bilingualism is significantly declining in Scotland currently.

USA

Unsurprisingly, due to its close relation with Mexico, Spanish is the most common language taught in American schools, with 78.6% of foreign language students taking Spanish, this is followed by French, American Sign Language, and German. However, only 20% of Americans actively use 2 or more languages, compared to 56% of Europeans.

Belgium & Switzerland

Two of the most multilingual countries worldwide due to their geographical locations, Switzerland has a staggering 4 major official languages, French, German, Romansh, and Italian, also teaching English, Spanish, and Mandarin in schools. Belgians speak Dutch and French primarily, alongside Flemish, a variation of Dutch and German and you can often find a map for example in 4 different languages, not to mention Spanish and English taught in schools!

Canada

Despite the main language of Canada being English (excluding Québec), to honor and preserve the country’s history and culture, French is taught in all schools, as well as a rise in the Spanish language, and Mandarin is gaining popularity with an increase in Chinese communities in Canada.

Papua New Guinea & Indonesia

Due to their geographical landscape and island communities, these two countries have 839 and 707 living languages! Indonesia impressively has 10% of the world's languages just in one country, the most common language is a form of Malay, as well as Javanese, there are also heavy Dutch influences and other languages such as Japanese and Korean can be found in some school curriculums.

China

Mandarin and Cantonese are the most widely spoken of around 300 languages spoken in China, in schools Russian used to be seen as greatly important, now English has overwhelmingly become the primary language teaching, as well as Korean and Japanese among the other available languages.