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Knowing a second language can have many benefits, both personal and professional. While English is the most widely spoken language by total number of speakers and Mandarin Chinese is the language with the most native speakers, there are many other languages that are widely spoken as second languages around the world. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 second languages spoken globally, based on the number of people who speak them as a non-native language, according to data from Ethnologue’s 2022, 25th edition. Ethnologue is a widely respected source for language statistics and is frequently cited by scholars and linguists.
10. Spanish (76.6 million)
Spanish as a second language is chosen by approximately 73.6 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Spanish as their second language is the United States, due to its large Hispanic population and proximity to Spanish-speaking countries. Additionally, Spanish is widely spoken as a second language in countries throughout Latin America and Spain itself. Other countries with significant numbers of people who have Spanish as a second language include Brazil, Canada, and the Philippines, among others.
9. Russian (104.1 million)
Russian is embraced as a second language by 104.1 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Russian as their second language is Ukraine, followed by Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Uzbekistan. Russian also has a significant number of speakers as a second language in other countries that were part of the former Soviet Union, as well as among Russian diaspora communities around the world.
8. Nigerian Pidgin (116.0 million)
Nigerian Pidgin is embraced as a second language by 116.0 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Nigerian Pidgin as their second language is Nigeria itself, where it serves as a lingua franca among the diverse ethnic groups. Nigerian Pidgin also has a significant presence in neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, as well as among Nigerian diaspora communities in various parts of the world.
7. Indonesian (155.4 million)
Indonesian is embraced as a second language by 155.4 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Indonesian as their second language is Indonesia itself, where it serves as the official language and lingua franca. Additionally, neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and East Timor have significant populations who use Indonesian as a second language due to cultural, historical, and economic ties with Indonesia. Indonesian is also learned and spoken as a second language in various other parts of the world, particularly among language enthusiasts, researchers, and those with business interests in Southeast Asia.
6. Urdu (161.0 million)
Urdu is embraced as a second language by 161.0 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Urdu as their second language is Pakistan, where it serves as the national language and a primary medium of communication. Urdu is also widely spoken and understood in India, particularly in regions with a significant Muslim population. It has a strong cultural and literary presence in both countries. Urdu is further spoken as a second language in various parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries with substantial South Asian diaspora communities. Its widespread use as a second language is influenced by the historical, cultural, and linguistic connections of the Urdu-speaking communities.
5. French (194.2 million)
French is widely embraced as a second language by a staggering 194.2 million people across the globe. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting French as their second language is the Democratic Republic of Congo, followed by the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Canada. French is also widely spoken as a second language in many countries in Africa, particularly those that were former French colonies. In addition, it is learned and spoken as a second language in countries around the world due to its status as an international language of diplomacy, business, and culture. French is particularly prevalent in European countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, as well as in parts of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands due to historical and cultural ties.
4. Mandarin Chinese (198.7 million)
Mandarin Chinese is embraced as a second language by 198.7 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Mandarin Chinese as their second language is China itself, where it is the official language and widely spoken across various provinces. Mandarin Chinese is also learned and spoken as a second language in neighboring countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, where it holds cultural and economic significance. In addition, Mandarin Chinese is gaining popularity globally due to China’s growing influence in international trade, business, and tourism. Many individuals around the world, including in Western countries, are learning Mandarin Chinese to enhance their career prospects and engage with Chinese-speaking communities. As a result, Mandarin Chinese has become one of the most widely studied languages worldwide.
3. Hindi (258.3 million)
Hindi is embraced as a second language by 258.3 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Hindi as their second language is India itself, where it serves as one of the official languages and is widely spoken across various states. Hindi is also spoken as a second language in neighboring countries such as Nepal, where it holds significant cultural and linguistic influence. Additionally, Hindi has a notable presence among Indian diaspora communities in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Due to India’s growing economic and cultural significance, the demand for Hindi as a second language has increased globally, with many individuals learning it for business, travel, or personal reasons. As a result, Hindi has become one of the most widely spoken and studied languages worldwide.
2. Modern Standard Arabic (274.0 million)
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is embraced as a second language by 274.0 million people worldwide. The country with the highest number of individuals adopting Modern Standard Arabic as their second language is Egypt, followed by countries in the Levant region, such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. MSA is the standardized form of Arabic used in media, literature, education, and formal settings throughout the Arab world. It is also widely understood and studied across Arab-speaking countries and communities. Additionally, due to the importance of Arabic in Islamic religious texts, many Muslims around the world learn Modern Standard Arabic to read and understand the Quran. MSA is taught as a second language in various educational institutions globally, and it holds significance in international diplomacy and cultural exchanges.
1. English (1.080 billion)
English is embraced as a second language by a staggering 1.080 billion people worldwide. While English is primarily spoken as a first language in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it is also widely learned and used as a second language in numerous countries. Many non-English speaking countries prioritize English education in their school curricula due to its global significance in business, science, technology, and communication. English serves as a lingua franca for international travel, trade, and diplomacy, making it a vital language for global interactions. Additionally, English proficiency is sought after for academic and professional opportunities. It is estimated that over two billion people can communicate in English, including both native and non-native speakers, highlighting its widespread use as a second language worldwide. India has the largest number of people adopting English as their second language.
