The trends for 2024 are like nothing we’ve seen before! We’re talking about a total evolution in how we pick up new languages! You’re so lucky to be living in this era! Let’s show you why…
Talking about trends, there are many trends happening around the world:
- Importance of language learning to boost career growth is aiding industry outlook
- Technological advancements in the field to fuel market development
- Rising Gen Z population base is escalating the demand for language learning solutions
- Growing Implementation of Smarter Artificial Intelligence is Trending in Language Learning Globally
They all have led to trends in language learning. And don’t think it’s just 2 or 3 online resources that emerged post-pandemic!
Absolutely!
There are a bunch of them below!
- Online language learning platforms
The popularity of online platforms and mobile apps for language learning continues to grow. Platforms like Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and others offer convenient and interactive ways for learners to acquire new languages.
We have a real case to show you.
Alex, from the US, dreams of mastering Italian. One day, he stumbled upon Duolingo and thought, “Why not give it a shot?” So, he downloaded the app, and his language-learning adventure began.
Instead of boring textbooks, Duolingo threw quirky challenges and fun games at him! Alex found himself racing against a mischievous owl and completing sentences. It was like a game, but with the bonus of learning Italian.
Whenever he had a few minutes to spare—whether waiting for the bus or sipping coffee—he’d dive into his lessons.
Fast forward a few months, and Alex could chat up a storm in Italian!
- Gamification and immersive experiences
Language learning apps increasingly incorporate gamification elements to make the process more engaging. Immersive experiences, such as virtual reality language learning, are gaining traction, providing learners with real-life scenarios to practice in a controlled environment.
Meet Jose, from Argentina, for instance. Instead of traditional study methods, he decided to spice things up and turned language learning into a game (he needed some resources that were not boring…)
Every day, armed with his favorite language app, he embarked on a quest to conquer Russian. The app transformed into a virtual adventure, complete with challenges, rewards, and a leveling-up system.
It wasn’t a chore – it was a thrilling adventure. And the best part? He became fluent in Russian!
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and personalization
AI is being used to tailor language learning experiences to individual learners. These systems adapt to the learner’s progress and preferences, offering customized lessons and feedback.
Valentina has always been that language-learning tech enthusiast. Living in Austria, she was preparing to travel to Portugal, so she decided to add a touch of futuristic flair to her language journey with the help of AI!
The Speechling AI provided her with personalized feedback on her pronunciation and speaking skills. It was particularly useful since Portuguese had so many different sounds from her native language.
One day, Valentina stumbled upon a conversational AI bot that simulated real-life dialogues! She could practice ordering coffee, haggling at a market, or even flirting (for those international escapades) with a chatbot that responded just like a native speaker! It was like having a 24/7 language conversation partner without the need for time zone coordination.
- Language exchange platforms
Online platforms that facilitate language exchange between users from different language backgrounds have become popular. This allows learners to practice with native speakers and vice versa.
It helped Noémie a lot: she lives in the south of France, and wanted to keep her English going, since she is an EFL teacher. Mastering English on Speaky became a vibrant journey!
She connected with half a dozen native English speakers eager to learn French. It was like a digital pen pal adventure, but with the added bonus of language exchange. They’d chat about common interests, helping each other to finesse their French and English skills.
She absorbed colloquial expressions, regional accents, and the joy of spontaneous language banter.
The language exchange platform wasn’t just a means to an end: it became a community. She joined group chats, participated in language challenges, and even made plans to meet her newfound friends in person when travel allowed (she promised to send us some photos by then!)
- Focus on cultural competence
Language learning is increasingly seen as more than just acquiring grammar and vocabulary; there’s a growing emphasis on cultural understanding. Learning materials often incorporate cultural aspects, helping learners not only speak the language but also understand the context in which it is used.
So, we introduce you to Sam, an Englishman: he got this cool advantage — a love for foreign movies and music. See, those cultural vibes aren’t just for entertainment; they’re turning into Sam’s secret weapon for learning.
Instead of just memorizing vocabulary lists, Sam starts watching movies and listening to songs in the target language – Italian. It’s like a fun language party where grammar rules and new words join the dance floor. The cultural context makes it all click, you know? Sam learns the slang, the regional expressions, and even the subtle nuances that textbooks might miss.
So, while others are stuck in grammar drills, Sam’s cruising through language lessons with a playlist and popcorn. Cultural connections made it possible for him to master Italian for the win!
- Podcasts and audio learning
Podcasts and audio lessons have become popular for learners who prefer to multitask or have limited time. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts offer a variety of language learning content.
Jake wanted to learn Spanish, so he decided to go the chill route and learn through podcasts. Every day, he’d pop in his earbuds, hit play on Spanish podcasts – Coffee Break Spanish was his favorite -, and soak up the language while doing chores or chilling on the couch.
Fast forward a few months, and boom! Thanks to those podcasts, Jake mastered Spanish, all while avoiding boring textbooks. He suggests podcasts for anyone who wants to master a new language!
- Remote learning and online classes
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote learning, including language education. Many language schools and institutions now offer online classes, providing learners with flexibility and accessibility.
Pedro is a Brazilian laid-back individual in need of a promotion in his job. When the pandemic hit and traditional classrooms shifted to virtual ones, he saw it as an opportunity rather than a setback. Embracing online classes, he found a Spanish language course with an amazing teacher.
No more early morning commutes or rushing to class: instead, Pedro could comfortably settle into learning from the cozy corner of his room, clad in pajamas. The teacher, Ms. Rodrigues, made the online sessions engaging and interactive.
With a mix of video lessons, group discussions, and one-on-one chats, Pedro thrived in this digital language haven. The flexibility allowed them to replay lessons, practice pronunciation without feeling self-conscious, and even connect with classmates from different corners of the world.
Slowly but surely, the language barriers crumbled. Pedro could, comfortably, converse with native speakers during virtual language exchange events, organized by the teacher!
- Short, interactive lessons
Microlearning, or the concept of short and focused lessons, has gained popularity. Learners can easily fit these brief sessions into their daily routines.
Look at the case of Mila, a busy bee with a passion for learning languages but no time for traditional classroom marathons. She is married with 2 kids, working part-time for a company. Well, she opted for a microlearning approach to conquer a new language.
Every day during her coffee break, Mila dedicated just 10 minutes to her language app – Duolingo. Short, sweet lessons that didn’t disrupt her hectic schedule. Whether she was waiting for her turn at the microwave or on a quick elevator ride, those stolen moments became her language sanctuary.
The app’s bite-sized exercises were like language snacks — easy to digest and surprisingly satisfying. Mila conquered a new word during her morning latte and nailed a tricky grammar rule before her afternoon meeting. The learning process was seamlessly woven into her daily routine.
Her secret weapon? Vocabulary flashcards. Mila turned dull waiting times into impromptu language sessions. Waiting for the bus? Swipe through some flashcards. Queueing at the grocery store? Learn a few phrases. It became a game, and Mila was leveling up in her new language while others scrolled through social media.
And you know what?!
Soon, Mila found herself effortlessly chatting with native speakers online, using the Speaky app, surprising herself with how much she could say! Her microlearning moments had snowballed into a linguistic triumph, proving that you don’t need hours of daily study to become a language maestro—just a few minutes here and there, and a sprinkle of dedication.
Little by little, the hen fills its crop!
- Augmented reality (AR)
Although not mainstream, there were experiments with using augmented reality for language learning. AR can overlay digital information onto the real world, providing interactive and dynamic learning experiences.
It was the case of Domingos, from Angola, a language learner with a fascination for technology. Armed with his smartphone and HelloTalk (a language-learning app that embraced augmented reality (AR)), Domingos turned his dull study routine into an interactive adventure.
He decided to travel to France one day, so he had to master French.
Instead of staring at textbooks, Domingos pointed his phone at everyday objects, and voila! The app recognized items in his surroundings and instantly labeled them in the target language. Learning vocabulary became a scavenger hunt through the house — the coffee mug, the TV remote, even the potted plant all became language lessons.
But it didn’t stop there. Domingos took the app to the streets. Walking through the park, he pointed the phone at trees, benches, and playground equipment, absorbing new words in context. It was like having a personal language guide in his pocket, ready to explain the world around them!
The AR magic extended to conversations too. Domingos could practice speaking by interacting with virtual characters superimposed on the real world. Ordering a virtual coffee in a simulated cafe or asking for directions from a virtual local on the street became part of his daily routine.
No more boring drills. Learning a language became an immersive experience, blending the digital and physical worlds. Domingos marveled at how AR transformed language learning from a task into an exploration, proving that technology could make the journey to fluency not only effective but downright fun.
- Community-based learning:
Social learning and community-based approaches, whether in the form of online forums, study groups, or local language exchange events, play a significant role in language learning trends.
Himari is our last example of today: she was not just eager to learn a new language, but to take part in a community affair. Instead of burying her nose in textbooks, Himari dove headfirst into a vibrant language community!
Every weekend, Himari joined language exchange meetups at the local coffee shop. Armed with enthusiasm and a notebook, she chatted with native speakers and fellow learners, exchanging not just words but cultural insights and laughs. It was like a mini United Nations gathering with languages as the common thread.
Online forums became Himari’s 24/7 language playground. From morning coffee discussions to late-night language games, the community was a buzzing hive of shared learning. Himari posted questions, answered queries, and even found language buddies for real-time practice.
Himari has also been following Instagram and TikTok profiles for a fast language immersion experience, with memes, slang, and tongue twisters!
In the end, Himari didn’t just gain fluency: she became a proud member of a global language tribe, proving that the journey to mastering a new language is often more enjoyable when it’s a shared adventure.
Just to finish
These are the tech-driven innovations of language learning trends for 2024 – thanks to them, millions are mastering new languages in record time, right now!
AI-powered language apps, cultural exchange programs, real-time language exchange apps like Speaky… Cheers to you, polyglots of the future!
