What is the Most Popular 2nd Language around the World?

We often hear that English is the most widely spoken second language globally—but did you know that this isn’t true everywhere? In fact, some countries have unexpected second language trends that reveal fascinating stories about migration, culture, and global communication.

Beyond the Obvious: Tagalog in Saudi Arabia, Polish in the UK

While English dominates as a foreign language in most places, there are some surprising exceptions:

• In Saudi Arabia, Tagalog (Filipino) is the most widely spoken second language, due to the large number of overseas Filipino workers living there.

• In the United Kingdom, Polish is surprisingly common. It’s the most spoken foreign language in England and Wales, largely because of Polish immigration over the past two decades.

• In Argentina, you’re likely to hear Italian just as often as Spanish. This reflects the country’s deep historical connection to Italian immigration.

• In Australia, the second most popular language isn’t French or Spanish—it’s Mandarin, thanks to the country’s growing Chinese-speaking population.

A World of Linguistic Diversity

According to research compiled by MoveHub, more than half of the countries in the world have a most common second language that is not English. This includes indigenous languages, regional dialects, immigrant languages, and more. These findings highlight the fact that language is always shifting and evolving depending on who is moving where, and which cultures are meeting and blending together.

You can explore regional second language trends across:

• Europe, where Russian, German, and French often compete for second place depending on the country.

• The Americas, where Portuguese, Creole, Italian, and indigenous languages like Quechua hold strong regional significance.

Supporting Language Learning at Home

Learning a second language isn’t just a regional trend—it’s also a lifelong advantage. If you’re looking to raise a bilingual or multilingual child, tools like Dinolingo can help make this journey easier and more fun. With 50+ language options—including Tagalog, Polish, Italian, and Mandarin—Dinolingo uses stories, songs, videos, and games to create an immersive and enjoyable experience for kids ages 2 to 14.

Available on web, iOS, and Android, and including printable materials and a parent dashboard, Dinolingo is ideal for families who want to build global awareness right from home.

Final Thoughts: Language Shapes How We See the World

These surprising second language trends remind us that every country has its own language story—and English is just one part of it. Whether it’s for communication, identity, or cultural connection, second languages continue to shape the way people live and understand the world around them.