Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Analysts at EF Education First conducted a study and discovered that the most widely spoken language in the world is facing competition.

In 2024, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people in Uzbekistan interested in learning languages that open up prospects for employment and education abroad. In addition to English, the top 5 languages include Korean, Turkish, Russian, and Arabic.

Among young people aged 12-17, Korean is the most popular (12%), while students aged 18-25 tend to choose English more frequently (41%). In the 26-35 age group, one in twelve (8%) prefers Turkish, and among Uzbeks over 35, Russian remains popular (35%).

Asian languages, particularly Korean, are being learned from scratch. Employment in South Korea, business development with Korean partners, and growing interest in Korean culture among young people (K-pop, dramas, street food) are the main motivational factors.

The Turkish language is attracting interest due to job opportunities, business prospects, education in Turkish universities, and cultural affinity. The similarities in language, traditions, and mentality make this country appealing for work, study, and relocation.

Russian remains in demand for communication in CIS countries, as well as for work and study in Russia.

There is a growing demand for Arabic, linked to an increased interest in Arab culture and the labor market in the UAE.

English is typically studied for admission to foreign universities, international careers, and relocation. It remains the "language of international communication" and the "key" to prestigious education in many countries worldwide.

The popularity of languages varies depending on the region of Uzbekistan.

For example, in Tashkent and Samarkand, there is a high demand for Korean and English, linked to greater access to educational programs and a drive for international cooperation.

In the Ferghana Valley, Turkish is traditionally popular due to historical ties and cultural proximity.

Arabic is most in demand in regions with strong religious traditions, such as Andijan, Namangan, and Bukhara.

It is also worth noting that in Bukhara, as a historical and cultural center, there is an increased interest in learning Arabic for a deeper understanding of historical texts and religious scriptures. In Tashkent and provincial centers of the republic, in resource cities and villages, and in some rural areas of the Tashkent and Syrdarya regions, Uzbeks and other indigenous people actively learn Russian. For some families, it even becomes the primary language of communication, reflecting its deep integration into daily life in these regions.

"Uzbekistan is actively integrating into the global IT community. This is driving growth in interest in English as a key tool for programmers. The results of this systemic work will be visible in a few years. However, the current level of English proficiency remains low, which is characteristic of other CIS countries as well," commented Dmitry Fedorov, Director for CIS Countries at EF Education First.