Latest news with #languagelearning
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
‘Huge shift': why learning Mandarin is losing its appeal in the West
When Colby Porter began Mandarin classes in sixth grade in Syracuse, New York, he was studying alongside 20 of his peers. By his final year of high school, only two other students remained, and the school had fewer than 25 Mandarin learners in total. Soon after he graduated in 2020, the programme was shut down entirely due to dwindling enrolments and budget cuts during the Covid-19 pandemic The situation at Porter's school is not unusual in the United States and other countries in the Global North. While data is scarce, the available figures suggest that interest in learning Mandarin – once globally hailed as the language of the future – is waning after years of rapid growth. In the US, Mandarin language enrolments in universities were down by 25 per cent in 2021 from their 2013 peak, according to the Modern Language Association's most recent report. Across New Zealand, official data shows a decline in the number of Mandarin learners at secondary school level since 2020. Meanwhile, university students in Britain pursuing Chinese language studies saw a 35 per cent drop in 2023 compared to their 2016 high, according to data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency. And even in some European countries like Germany and France where Mandarin learning continues to grow, its expansion is modest compared to other more popular languages.
CBC
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Annual language camp in Carcross to revitalize Tlingit language
Tlingit language learners from far and wide gathered in Carcross this week for an annual language camp. Learners of all levels participated in activities ranging from songs to storytelling games. CBC's Marissa Meilleur was there.
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Gain Lifetime Access to Over 50 Languages for Only $35 With StackSocial's Massive Deal on Qlango
If you're taking any international trips this summer, learning a new language is a great way to improve your experience and show your appreciation of another culture. In person language learning classes can be expensive and time consuming. The great news is, thanks to a wide variety of language learning apps, you don't have to deprive yourself of the chance to learn just because you have a lot of obligations We've spotted an epic deal on this lifetime subscription to Qlango for just $35 at StackSocial right now. That's a savings of 70% off StackSocial's list price and saves you $55 when compared with subscribing directly through Qlango. Though there's no stated deadline attached to this deal, we suggest acting fast to make sure you don't miss this discount. Qlango gamifies language learning in a massive 56 languages and offers games, repetition and resources in your chosen language. With features such as being able to click on a single word for clarity or even customizing how you learn, you can work on your pronunciation and listening skills, as well as focus on the things that might be more challenging for you. The app allows you set up a language learning plan that fits your schedule and uses positive reinforcement to make sure you stay on track. AI-assisted learning and parallel books can also help you build your skills and confidence over time. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The app's six levels include common vocabulary words, repetition and emphasis on learning parts of speech. With languages such as Albanian, Portuguese, Chinese and more, you'll be sure to find the right fit for you. Keep in mind that you need at least Android 6 or iOS 12 in order to use this app, so check your smartphone or tablet's specs before purchasing. Looking for a language-learning app but not sure if this deal is for you? Check out our list of the best language-learning apps so you can find the right one for your needs. Note: Though this is advertised as a lifetime subscription, there are no guarantees that purchases will be supported for life. As we've seen in the past, a change of ownership, a service shutting down or some other unforeseen circumstance may result in your lifetime subscription ending sooner than anticipated. Why this deal matters Learning a new language can be pricey and cumbersome, but the Qlango app offers games, books and even a certificate once you complete your course. It features 56 languages and offers the most essential things you need to know to start conversing -- all for $35 right now. Considering this discount not only saves you a massive chunk of the usual cost but also eliminates recurring monthly fees with its lifetime service, now is a good time to nab this deal.
Entrepreneur
13-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Learn Up to 56 Languages for Just $35
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you'll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. Entrepreneurs are five times more likely to favor flexibility than the potential to generate profits, according to business insurance specialist Embroker. So, if you're planning to expand your business internationally or you enjoy working remotely from anywhere, it would be very handy to develop conversational skills in the foreign language of your choice. Lucky for you, a lifetime subscription to all 56 languages in Qlango Language Learning is available through July 20 for only $34.97, which is 71% off the original $119.99 subscription price. Not everyone learns the same way, and Qlango adapts to the way you learn best by letting you choose from multiple-choice style, words or sentences, matching, translation, dictation and more. You can also learn at a pace that is best for your lifestyle; simply set a weekly goal that suits your schedule. Qlango uses a spaced repetition technique that is scientifically proven to help you retain new words more effectively by reviewing them at increasing intervals. The platform poses questions until you provide the correct answers to ensure that you're really learning. However, it also includes a built-in hint system so you don't get stuck. Every language contains over 6,500 of its most commonly used words, plus two example sentences for each word, so you'll develop a strong vocabulary. You can click on a word to hear just that specific word, as many times as you like, to improve your word recognition and pronunciation. Best of all, Qlango helps to make learning new languages fun by turning it into an engaging game. Smart suggestions in each of the six difficulty levels help to create a personalized learning experience. It's easy to see why Qlango has an amazing rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the App Store. Until July 20, get a lifetime subscription to all the languages in Qlango Language Learning for just $34.97, a 71% discount off the original $119.99 subscription price. StackSocial prices subject to change.
Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Times
Duolingo's founder on billionaire life: ‘I guess it's nice not to worry'
W hen the teenage Luis von Ahn left home in impoverished Guatemala City for Duke University, North Carolina, he said to himself: 'If I ever make a million bucks in my life, I'll have reached my American dream.' Now 46, and worth $1.4 billion (£1 billion), it's fair to say America exceeded his expectations. Von Ahn is one of the rare entrepreneurs for whom lightning has struck not once, not twice, but three times — most significantly with his hugely successful learn-a-language app, Duolingo. If you aren't personally doing Duolingo, chances are someone in your family is. More than 130 million people around the world, from Bill Gates to Khloé Kardashian, are studying one or more of its 40-plus languages. Of those, 47 million use it every day — a scholarly army nearly 50 per cent bigger than it was a year ago.
