One planet, billions of voices. What if your child had the superpower to speak several languages, including the most widely spoken in the world?
While there are more than 7,000 languages in the world[1], only a handful really dominate the economy, culture and diplomacy. And only one truly rules the world today. Could it be Mandarin, with over one billion native speakers? English, the lingua franca of international exchanges, or Spanish, a living language in many parts of the world?
So which language is the most widely spoken in the world, and which one should your child learn to open as many doors as possible?
That’s the question we’re answering at École Galilée, with data to back it up.
The Top Ten Most Widely Spoken Languages in the World
Before deciding which language to expose your child to first, you need to know which languages are the most widely spoken on the planet and why they are strategic in today’s world.
Here’s a look at the ten most widely spoken languages in the world, including both native and non-native speakers, according to data from Statista 2024.
1. English – 1.4 billion speakers
This is the most widely spoken language in the world. Distributed across five continents and used in over 165 countries[2], English is the number one international language. It dominates business, new technology, science and travel.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
Because learning English gives them access to the vast majority of the world’s content, exchanges and opportunities.
2. Chinese (Mandarin) – 1.1 billion speakers
Mandarin is a truly strategic language on a global scale.
Mandarin is China’s official language and accounts for the majority of Chinese speakers. The country’s growing economic and geopolitical influence makes it a key language for the future.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
The second most widely spoken language in the world, Mandarin is complex, but highly valued in global trade and diplomacy. A real plus for children who want to learn more about an ancient and influential culture.
3. Hindi – 602 million speakers
Hindi is the language of the world’s second-largest population and the majority language in India, one of the world’s youngest and fastest growing countries. It is also very similar to Urdu, which is spoken in Pakistan.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
As the main language of one of the most populous and fastest growing countries in the world, learning Hindi gives you access to a rich culture, a rapidly expanding economy and a booming technology scene.
4. Spanish – 559 million speakers
This lively, friendly language is spoken on several continents: Spanish is spoken in Spain, Latin America, the United States… and even in Africa (Equatorial Guinea)!
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
Spanish is the official language of 20 countries[3] and one of the most widely spoken in the United States after English. Easy to learn, you’ll quickly get the hang of speaking this Latin language, enabling you to communicate with over 500 million speakers.
5. French – 309 million speakers
French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. French is the official language of 29 countries[4], is spoken on all five continents (including France, Quebec, Senegal, Lebanon and Wallis and Futuna) and is growing rapidly in Africa. It continues to have a major influence in culture, diplomacy and business.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
Spoken on five continents, French is one of the most widely used languages in international organizations. Its growing presence in Africa, home to over 50% of French speakers, makes it a language of the future. Combined with English or Spanish, French opens doors both culturally and professionally.
6. Arabic – 274 million speakers
Official language in over 20 countries and the 6th-most spoken language in the world, Arabic has many faces. Spoken from North Africa to the Middle East, it has many dialects.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
Arabic gives you access to an official language in over 20 countries, thousands of years of culture and a strategic region for international trade.
7. Bengali – 273 million speakers
The language of Bangladesh and eastern India receives little media coverage. Yet it has almost as many speakers as French.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
Learning this language, which is rarely taught in Europe, can be a powerful means of communication in some regions of the world.
8. Russian – 263 million speakers
The 8th-most widely spoken language in the world, Russian an influential language. It is, of course,the official language in Russia and still widely used in the countries of the former USSR.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
Learning this language can be useful in diplomatic exchanges, certain scientific fields and parts of Eastern Europe.
9. Portuguese – 255 million speakers
Portuguese is spoken on three continents, thanks to the influence of Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
An accessible Latin language with enormous potential in South America, particularly in the agricultural, energy and tourism sectors.
10. Urdu (Pakistan) – 231 million speakers
Urdu is the 10th-most widely spoken language in the world. It is the official language of Indonesia, a fast-growing strategic archipelago.
Why learning this language is an advantage for your child:
Still not widely taught, Urdu is the gateway to a booming region, focused on technology, industry and tourism.
Is Learning Several of these Languages as a Child a Superpower?
Learning several of the world’s most widely spoken languages in your early years is not just about learning new language skills. It gives children the tools to think, feel and interact differently with the world around them.
Cognitive Development
Actively speaking several languages stimulates memory, supports attention and develops cognitive flexibility. Bilingual children often show a greater ability to solve problems and adapt to new situations.
Cultural Adaptability
Being exposed to several languages also means learning about other ways of living, thinking and feeling. It fosters tolerance, empathy and natural curiosity. A child who learns several languages becomes a citizen of the world.
Educational and Professional Advantages
Children who are used to switching between two or more languages quickly gain confidence in their learning. Later on, these skills become a major asset when it comes to starting an international career, travelling, studying and working abroad.
Self-Confidence and Communication
Speaking several languages, including the most widely spoken in the world, also means daring to express yourself in many situations, with people of different ages, cultures and backgrounds. It is a form of freedom and confidence that accompanies children throughout their lives.
French, English, Spanish: Three Languages that Open the World
Given the world’s linguistic wealth, the many options for languages to learn can seem dizzying. But in a coherent educational approach that respects children’s needs, not everything can – or should – be taught at the same time.
That’s why at École Galilée, students learn two languages from nursery school onwards:
● French, the language of education and culture, enables them to develop structured thinking, rich expression and a solid foundation in reading, writing and comprehension.
● English, now the most widely spoken language in the world, is taught in an immersive environment. It’s the obvious choice if you want to communicate, travel, study or work abroad.
Then, from secondary school onwards, they start a third modern language:
● Spanish, closely related to French and spoken on three continents, is an ideal complement to this course, opening up new cultural and linguistic perspectives.
Why stick to three languages? Because mastering three of them is already quite a challenge. This requires time, regular practice and a motivating and caring learning environment.
Focusing on these three essential languages means choosing a solid, incremental approach: one that is rich enough to open the door to the world, but always respectful of the needs and well-being of each child.
Learning the world’s most widely spoken languages from an early age means that every child can develop open-mindedness, express themselves in a variety of contexts and build solid self-esteem. At École Galilée, this structured and demanding language pathway prepares students for life in a world that is multi-faceted, demanding and always turned towards the future.
Note
[2] https://www.ipac-traductions.com/blog/10-langues-plus-parlees/
[3] https://fr.babbel.com/fr/magazine/combien-de-personnes-parlent-lespagnol-et-ou-est-il-parle
[4]https://www.cite-langue-francaise.fr/decouvrir/l-aventure-du-francais/le-francais-a-travers-le-monde