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2 clusters · 17 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated
Spanish language growth in China
Overview
According to the 2026 Yearbook from the Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish language has reached 640 million potential users globally, with native speakers exceeding 520 million.
In China, the language is experiencing significant growth, with approximately 98,000 potential users, including 66,000 learners. Enrollments in Spanish language programs, such as philology degrees and foreign language courses, rose by 12.6% between 2023 and 2025. Currently, 98% of Chinese universities offer Hispanic studies, and the language is taught in 31 cities.
While demand is increasing in sectors like business, engineering, and science to support investments in Spain and Latin America, Luis García Montero, director of the Cervantes Institute, noted a decline in humanities studies. This surge in interest has also led to a shortage of qualified teaching staff, highlighting a need for prioritized teacher training.
Entities
China · Luis García Montero · Global Spanish Observatory · Cervantes Institute · Shanghai International Studies University
Timeline
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesSpanish language enrollment surges in China
Spanish language enrollments in China rose 12.6% between 2023 and 2025, creating a high demand for teachers despite a growing focus on commercial applications over humanities.
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[CULTURE] 15 sourcesSpanish language reaches 640 million users globally
The Instituto Cervantes reports that Spanish speakers have reached 640 million globally, with significant growth in China, where language enrollments rose 12.6% between 2023 and 2025.
Sources
bondia.ad · columnadigital.com · ejeprime.com · elinformante.com.do · es.euronews.com · euronews.com · euroweeklynews.com · hechos.com.do · hosteltur.com · iNews.co.uk · laregion.es · lemaroc360.com · moncloa.com · pausa.mx · portadanacional.com · puertoplatahabla.com · que.es