Demand for languages set to climb

Source: Xinhua | 2018-04-25

THE demand for minor language fluency is set to surge as China’s connection with the world rises and also in tandem with its Belt and Road Initiative, with the growth likely to be fueled by new technology like artificial intelligence, said a report from Hujiang, an online education platform.

The second foreign language market in China is set to reap a revenue of 30 billion yuan (US$4.77 billion) by 2020, fueled by national strategies, consumption upgrade and mobile Internet technology development, said Zhang Jing, general manager of Hujiang’s multi-language business division.

The technology, including AI, is “creating more classrooms” besides professional courses in universities, said Hujiang.

Over 25 to 30 percent of learners study minor languages online, and the proportion is forecast to climb amid surging demand to tap opportunities in BRI countries.