The Top 9 Fastest-Growing Languages in 2024 and Why You Should Translate Your Content

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected through trade, technology, and migration. Businesses looking to tap into new markets need to consider translating their content to reach wider audiences. As globalization accelerates, what languages should you prioritize for translation by 2024?

We analyzed expected economic growth, demographic trends, emerging tech hubs, and internet penetration to predict the top 9 fastest-growing languages for translation by 2024. Read on for our top picks, along with expert tips to help you translate your business content into the languages that will matter most.

#1 Chinese

China’s economy is projected to overtake the US by 2036. The behemoth of Asia shows no signs of slowing down, making Chinese the #1 priority for translations this decade.

Key Drivers of Growth

• World’s largest population at 1.4 billion native speakers
• Surging economic growth with an average GDP growth rate of 6%
• Rising incomes fueling a bustling domestic consumption economy
• Flourishing digital ecosystem and tech industry

For companies worldwide, ignoring the Chinese language audience would mean neglecting the world’s biggest market. From retail brands to news sites, translating content into Chinese should be on top of every business strategy.

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#2 Spanish

With 500 million native speakers globally and still second in our ranking, Spanish is growing in the US.

Prioritize Why Spanish Translation

• Second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin
• Official language in 21 countries
• Strong economic growth is expected across Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Spain and more
• In the US, the Hispanic population is projected to reach 111 million by 2060

Global companies looking to enter Latin America and US businesses targeting domestic growth need Spanish translation to succeed.

From marketing materials to customer communications, Spanish language content will be a smart investment this decade.

#3 English

Are you surprised to see English make the fastest-growing languages list? While already dominant globally, the rise of India, Africa, and Southeast Asia on the economic stage means that English still has room to expand its reach.

English Language Growth Areas

• India will become the world’s third-largest economy by 2024, powered by an elite group of 125 million English speakers
• Across Sub-Saharan Africa, English is the official language of business, education and government
• Digital natives in Southeast Asia are using English as the language of technology and upward mobility

For businesses targeting these markets, translating content into local languages is important. However, English remains the lingua franca that unites global youth and allows companies to reach technologically advanced segments in emerging economies.

#4 Arabic

With over 450 million speakers globally and modernization accelerating across the Middle East and North Africa, Arabic cracks the top 5 languages to watch.

Why Translate Into Arabic

• Fast-growing population of native speakers, second only to English ahead of French, Spanish and Mandarin
• Economic promise across the Gulf states, Egypt, Morocco and more
• Youthful demographics: over 60% of Arabic speakers are under age 30
• Opportunities to engage massive Gen Z audiences on social media, gaming, entertainment and tech

Don’t sleep on the Arabic language audience this decade – translate your content to unlock emerging opportunities across this diverse and youth-led market.

#5 Portuguese

Thanks to economic potential in Brazil and beyond, Portuguese makes our list of need-to-translate languages for 2024.

• Growth Drivers for Portuguese
• Brazil’s economy is projected to overtake nations like France and Italy by 2024
• Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries globally
• Beyond Brazil’s 200 million native speakers, Portuguese is growing in Africa and Macau
• With increasing internet access, young Portuguese speakers are engaging online using social media, content streaming and more

Businesses looking to tap into Brazil or other Portuguese-language markets need culturally relevant content to connect with this audience. Translation is key.

#6 French

Sure, France’s growth is stagnating. But the French language continues gaining ground globally, especially across rising African economies.

Why French Translation Still Matters

• France itself may be struggling, but African countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast and Guinea are booming
• French is the official language across 30 African states
• By 2050, Africa will be home to 1 in 4 humans on earth – many speaking French
• Outside Africa, French also remains important in Canada and the Caribbean

With French usage rising on the global stage, translations will help companies from retail to tech engage with this language market.

#7 German

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and has a strong manufacturing export sector. As the country invests in green energy and technology for the future, the German language retains its global significance.

German Translation Key Trends

• Germany has the largest national economy in Europe
• Strong population growth both within Germany and neighboring Austria & Switzerland
• An aging population keeps life sciences and healthcare innovation humming
• With the fastest internet speeds globally, tech & digital content consumption grows

German translations will unlock opportunities for scientific institutions, automotive firms, e-commerce retailers, and others to fuel innovation and drive exports.

#8 Hindi

Bollywood, yoga and chicken tikka masala have given the world a taste of India. But to engage in this fast-growing market, Hindi language proficiency is a must.

Why Prioritize Hindi Translation

• Half a billion native speakers currently, projected to rise further
• Expected to overtake English as the most spoken language in India by 2024
• Youthful nation with a median age under 30 will drive consumption growth across sectors; the entertainment industry necessitates Hindi global brands

India’s economic emergence means Hindi language content will become ever more crucial for businesses seeking to court this diverse market.

#9 Indonesian

Known for its idyllic islands and chill vibes, Indonesia often gets overlooked as a growth market. However, with over 300 million people across nearly 20,000 islands, Indonesia’s economy is on the up.

Indonesian Language Trends

• Indonesia recently became the world’s 4th most populous nation
• Projected to grow at over 5% annually until 2024
• An emerging middle class with increasing digital connectivity
• Youthful demographics, with 45% of the population under age 30

As Indonesians flock online, companies providing digital experiences, from games to media, need Indonesian language translation to capitalize on this opportunity.

Expert Tips for Translating Into Growth Languages

Convinced yet about the need to translate your content? Here are 8 tips to build an effective translation strategy:

#1. Define your goals

What content needs translating and why? Outline the audiences and business objectives you want to achieve. Without clear goals, you can’t track translation success.

#2. Understand cultural nuances

Simply converting text from one language to another misses critical cultural context. Work with native translators who grasp subtleties around humor, etiquette, visual aesthetics and more unique to each language.

#3. Choose specialized translators

A translator adept at legal documents won’t necessarily excel at video games. Seek industry-specific expertise to translate niche content accurately.

#4. Maintain brand voice

Make sure your translators understand the style, tone and messaging you want to convey to accurately reflect your brand across languages.

#5. Localize beyond text

Adapt images, colors, symbols, formats, audio and more to resonate across cultures. Text is just one piece of effective localization.

#6. Proofread carefully

Circle back to double-check translations for errors that could confuse or alienate audiences. Review processes ensure quality.

#7. Update frequently

Language evolves quickly. Revisit old translations to keep content current, especially for youth-oriented segments.

#8. Track performance

Analyze how localized content performs in each market using web analytics and social monitoring. Continuously optimize to improve engagement.

Conclusion

The world’s economic center of gravity is shifting, with exciting opportunities across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America and more. To capitalize on cross-border growth in the 2020s, businesses need to translate their content effectively.

Use this forecast of the top 9 fastest-growing languages expected by 2024 to help prioritize your translation efforts. Focus on Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, Portuguese, French, German, Hindi, and Indonesian language audiences to position your company for global success.

Remember to incorporate cultural nuances, specialized expertise and performance tracking to translate content that resonates locally and drives results in growth markets worldwide. The time is now to reach the next billion internet users in their own languages – your international expansion depends on it!