December 2025 has arrived with a timely reminder: there’s never been a better moment to learn a foreign language. This month is officially Learn a Foreign Language Month, and as the year draws to a close, educators and tech innovators alike are urging Americans to pick up a new tongue—either as a December challenge or as a New Year’s Resolution for 2026. The push comes as the world grows more interconnected and the benefits of bilingualism become harder to ignore.
According to the World Economic Forum, over 7,000 languages are spoken across the globe. Yet, just 23 of these languages account for the native speech of more than four billion people. Chinese leads the pack with more than a billion speakers, followed by Spanish at 399 million, and English at 335 million. These numbers are more than trivia—they reflect the linguistic currents shaping the future of global business, culture, and personal opportunity.
The United States, often thought of as a monolingual nation, is in fact one of the most linguistically diverse countries on Earth. Between 350 and 430 languages are spoken within its borders, according to Translators Without Borders, a nonprofit language service. Still, a significant majority—78.4%—speak only English at home, while 21.6% of households use another language. As global migration and cross-border business intensify, the ability to communicate across cultures is quickly becoming a prized asset.
“In a globalized economy, more businesses are expanding into international markets and employers increasingly want staff who can connect with customers in their own language,” the World Economic Forum reports. This demand for multilingual employees is more than just a hiring preference. The University of the Potomac points to research by the European Commission indicating that listing multiple languages on a résumé can help job seekers stand out. Once hired, those skills may even translate to higher salaries.
But the benefits of learning a second language extend far beyond the office. According to the University of the Potomac, “there are tangible benefits to being bilingual—it can improve your brain and memory functions, boost your creativity and self-esteem, help in your career opportunities, as well as increase your understanding of the language you already speak.” The process of learning a new language is a workout for the brain, strengthening mental muscles just as physical exercise builds biceps. “While your brain is trying to keep up with the new language’s complexities and take in the new patterns, new developments are happening in the brain. Just like muscles, the brain gets stronger and bigger the more you put it to use,” the University adds.
Language is also woven into the very fabric of English itself. Words like “alligator” (from the Spanish ‘el lagarto’), “gung-ho” (with Chinese roots), “bistro” (French), and “tariff” (Arabic) are reminders that English is a living mosaic, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Most of these languages trace their family trees back to common Indo-European roots, illustrating just how interconnected human communication has always been.
In the digital age, language barriers are falling—but not as quickly as some might hope. While translation tools like Google Translate are impressive, they only scratch the surface, covering about 130 languages out of the thousands spoken worldwide. This technological gap means that human language diversity remains a challenge—and an opportunity—for learners and innovators alike.
For those ready to take the plunge, technology offers a growing array of tools to make language learning more accessible and engaging. One standout this season is Promova, a language-learning app currently running a special promotion. As reported by StackSocial, users can get lifetime access to Promova’s Premium Plan for $54.97 (down from the regular price of $299.99) by using the discount code LANG25. The sale runs until January 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT, making it an attractive option for holiday shoppers and self-improvers alike.
Promova distinguishes itself by offering lessons in 12 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, Latin American Spanish, American Sign Language, and Ukrainian. The app is designed to be flexible and supportive, blending structured lessons with a variety of study tools. Users can move between vocabulary cards, grammar explanations, bite-sized lessons, podcasts, AI-powered role-play, and live tutor sessions. The platform adapts to individual goals, whether users are learning for travel, work, or personal enrichment.
Accessibility is a major focus for Promova. The app includes features like Dyslexia Mode and white-noise options for learners with ADHD, ensuring that language learning isn’t just for the neurotypical. AI-powered speaking practice helps build confidence, while cultural notes provide essential context for real-world conversations. Progress tracking and regular updates keep learners motivated and engaged.
“Learning a second language is a valuable investment in yourself that can provide numerous benefits, from enhancing cognitive abilities to broadening career opportunities and facilitating cultural exchange,” the University of the Potomac notes. “By exploring the world through language, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different perspectives and cultures.”
The rise of bilingualism is not just a trend but a global reality. At least half of the world’s population is now bilingual, and the numbers are only expected to grow as international mobility and digital communication continue to expand. In the U.S., where linguistic diversity is both a historical legacy and a modern-day reality, learning a new language is increasingly seen as a way to keep pace with the changing world.
Of course, the journey isn’t always easy. Traditional methods of language learning—rote memorization, endless grammar drills—can be discouraging. That’s where modern platforms like Promova come in, offering a more personalized, adaptive approach. Learners can set their own pace, choose their preferred study methods, and get support tailored to their needs. Whether you’re aiming to chat with relatives abroad, land a new international job, or simply flex your mental muscles, there’s likely a tool out there to help you reach your goal.
With December’s Learn a Foreign Language Month in full swing and new, accessible options on the table, there’s little excuse not to try. Whether you opt for a traditional classroom, a community language club, or an app like Promova, the benefits are clear—and the world is waiting to be discovered, one conversation at a time.
