GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Polyglot Languages Proficiency Statistics

The statistics on polyglot language proficiency show that a small percentage of individuals around the world are fluent in multiple languages, with most people typically being proficient in two or three languages.

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

How we write

In this post, we explore the fascinating world of polyglot languages proficiency by delving into statistics that highlight the prevalence and diversity of multilingualism across different regions and populations. From the percentage of bilingual individuals in various countries to the ambitious language learning goals set by nations, these data points offer a compelling glimpse into the global landscape of language diversity and proficiency.

Statistic 1

"Of the world's approximate 7.5 billion inhabitants, over half speak at least two languages, making them polyglots."

Statistic 2

"In the European Union, 54% of Europeans are able to hold a conversation in more than one language, suggesting polyglot abilities."

Statistic 3

"In India, 41.1% of the population is bilingual, with significant proportions of the population also trilingual."

Statistic 4

"Nine out of ten EU secondary school pupils study more than one language."

Statistic 5

"At Google, more than 70 different languages are spoken, indicating a high level of polyglot proficiency."

Statistic 6

"China aims for 85% of students to be proficient in a second language by 2025."

Statistic 7

"43% of the world population is bilingual, 13% is trilingual, and 40% can speak only one language."

Statistic 8

"New York City is the most linguistically diverse city in the world, with over 800 languages spoken."

Statistic 9

"Switzerland has one of the highest rates of multilingualism, with 64% of the population speaking two or more languages."

Statistic 10

"Nigeria has more than 500 languages spoken, making it likely to be a country with a high rate of multilingualism."

Statistic 11

"In the Netherlands, about 90% of the population speaks English fluently, suggesting widespread multilingualism."

Statistic 12

"In Belgium, 59% of the population speaks more than one language."

Statistic 13

"In Canada, 17.5% of the population is bilingual in French and English."

Statistic 14

"In Australia, 21% of the population speaks a language other than English at home."

Statistic 15

"In South Africa, 33.2% of the population reported that they speak more than one language at home."

Statistic 16

"In Singapore, 72% of the population is literate in two or more languages."

Statistic 17

"Papua New Guinea, with a population of over 7.3 million people, is the most linguistically diverse country in the world with over 800 languages."

Statistic 18

"In Brazil, only about 5% of the population speaks English (a second language), suggesting lower levels of multilingualism compared to other countries."

The statistics presented reveal a global landscape rich in linguistic diversity and proficiency. A significant proportion of the world’s population demonstrates polyglot abilities, with varying levels of multilingualism observed across different regions. From the high multilingualism rates in Switzerland and the Netherlands to the ambitious language learning goals in China, the data underscores the importance of language skills in today’s interconnected world. With a majority of people speaking more than one language in many countries and regions, the statistics suggest a widespread recognition of the value of multilingual proficiency for personal, social, and economic growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

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