In 2025, there were around 1.53 billion people worldwide who spoke English either natively or as a second language, slightly more than the 1.18 billion Mandarin Chinese speakers at the time of survey. Hindi and Spanish accounted for the third and fourth most widespread languages that year. Languages in the United States The United States does not have an official language, but the country uses English, specifically American English, for legislation, regulation, and other official pronouncements. The United States is a land of immigration, and the languages spoken in the United States vary as a result of the multicultural population. The second most common language spoken in the United States is Spanish or Spanish Creole, which over than 43 million people spoke at home in 2023. There were also 3.5 million Chinese speakers (including both Mandarin and Cantonese),1.8 million Tagalog speakers, and 1.57 million Vietnamese speakers counted in the United States that year. Different languages at home The percentage of people in the United States speaking a language other than English at home varies from state to state. The state with the highest percentage of population speaking a language other than English is California. About 45 percent of its population was speaking a language other than English at home in 2023.

In 2023, around 43.37 million people in the United States spoke Spanish at home. In comparison, approximately 998,179 people were speaking Russian at home during the same year. The distribution of the U.S. population by ethnicity can be accessed here. A ranking of the most spoken languages across the world can be accessed here.

Introduction

Welcome to the Mandarin Chinese General Conversation Speech Dataset — a rich, linguistically diverse corpus purpose-built to accelerate the development of Mandarin speech technologies. This dataset is designed to train and fine-tune ASR systems, spoken language understanding models, and generative voice AI tailored to real-world Mandarin Chinese communication.

Curated by FutureBeeAI, this 30 hours dataset offers unscripted, spontaneous two-speaker conversations across a wide array of real-life topics. It enables researchers, AI developers, and voice-first product teams to build robust, production-grade Mandarin speech models that understand and respond to authentic Chinese accents and dialects.

Speech Data

The dataset comprises 30 hours of high-quality audio, featuring natural, free-flowing dialogue between native speakers of Mandarin Chinese. These sessions range from informal daily talks to deeper, topic-specific discussions, ensuring variability and context richness for diverse use cases.

Topic Diversity

The dataset spans a wide variety of everyday and domain-relevant themes. This topic diversity ensures the resulting models are adaptable to broad speech contexts.

Transcription

Each audio file is paired with a human-verified, verbatim transcription available in JSON format.

These transcriptions are production-ready, enabling seamless integration into ASR model pipelines or conversational AI workflows.

Metadata

The dataset comes with granular metadata for both speakers and recordings:

Such metadata helps developers fine-tune model training and supports use-case-specific filtering or demographic analysis.

Usage and Applications

This dataset is a versatile resource for multiple Mandarin speech and language AI applications:

As of February 2025, English was the most popular language for web content, with over 49.4 percent of websites using it. Spanish ranked second, with six percent of web content, while the content in the German language followed, with 5.6 percent. English as the leading online language United States and India, the countries with the most internet users after China, are also the world's biggest English-speaking markets. The internet user base in both countries combined, as of January 2023, was over a billion individuals. This has led to most of the online information being created in English. Consequently, even those who are not native speakers may use it for convenience. Global internet usage by regions As of October 2024, the number of internet users worldwide was 5.52 billion. In the same period, Northern Europe and North America were leading in terms of internet penetration rates worldwide, with around 97 percent of its populations accessing the internet.

Pinyin Input Method Market Outlook

The Pinyin Input Method Market has been experiencing a significant trajectory in market size, with global figures estimated at $1.5 billion in 2023 and projected to reach approximately $2.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. This robust growth can be attributed to several key factors, including the increasing digitalization across various sectors, the proliferation of smartphones, and the growing demand for efficient input methods that cater to Mandarin-speaking populations worldwide. The escalation of internet usage and the need for seamless communication in one of the most spoken languages globally is further propelling the market's upward trend.

One of the primary growth factors driving the Pinyin Input Method Market is the rapid digital transformation across industries. As businesses and educational institutions increasingly adopt digital platforms, there is a heightened need for effective input methods that can cater to Chinese-speaking users. The Pinyin input method, being one of the most efficient and widely used systems for Chinese character input, aligns perfectly with the needs of this growing user base. Additionally, the rise of e-learning platforms and remote work has necessitated reliable input methods, further contributing to market growth. The integration of Pinyin input across multiple devices and platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, has broadened its accessibility and usability, making it indispensable in the digital age.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing penetration of smartphones and mobile internet services. With Asia, particularly China, witnessing a surge in smartphone adoption, the demand for user-friendly and efficient input methods like Pinyin has soared. Mobile users require quick and intuitive typing solutions that can seamlessly integrate with their devices and applications. The Pinyin input method, with its ease of use and compatibility, perfectly meets these demands, thereby driving market expansion. Moreover, ongoing technological advancements in natural language processing and machine learning have enhanced the accuracy and predictive capabilities of Pinyin input systems, further boosting their adoption across diverse user segments.

The expansion of the Pinyin Input Method Market is also fueled by globalization and the growing significance of the Chinese language in international business, education, and cultural exchanges. As more non-native speakers seek to learn Mandarin for professional and personal reasons, the demand for effective learning tools, including Pinyin input methods, has surged. Educational institutions and language learning platforms are increasingly incorporating Pinyin input systems to facilitate the learning process and improve user engagement. This trend is expected to continue as the Chinese language gains prominence on the global stage, contributing to sustained market growth.

Regionally, Asia Pacific dominates the Pinyin Input Method Market due to the high concentration of Mandarin speakers and the widespread adoption of digital technologies. North America and Europe are also witnessing growth, driven by the increasing interest in Mandarin language learning and cross-cultural communications. In Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, the market is gradually expanding as more educational and business entities recognize the value of integrating Chinese language capabilities. The regional outlook highlights the global significance of the Pinyin input method in facilitating communication and bridging linguistic gaps in an increasingly interconnected world.

Product Type Analysis

The Pinyin Input Method Market can be segmented by product type into software and hardware. Software solutions dominate this market segment, primarily due to their versatility and wide applicability across various devices and platforms. These solutions can be easily installed and integrated into existing systems, making them a preferred choice for both individual users and organizations. Software-based Pinyin input methods offer extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences, which enhances user satisfaction and drives market growth. The continuous development of advanced features, such as predictive text and voice recognition, further elevates the value proposition of software solutions in this market.

On the other hand, hardware solutions, although a smaller segment, play a crucial role in specific applications. Dedicated Pinyin input hardware, such as keyboards

In 2020, about 93.8 percent of the Mexican population was monolingual in Spanish. Around five percent spoke a combination of Spanish and indigenous languages. Spanish is the third-most spoken native language worldwide, after Mandarin Chinese and Hindi.

Mexican Spanish

Spanish was first being used in Mexico in the 16th century, at the time of Spanish colonization during the Conquest campaigns of what is now Mexico and the Caribbean. As of 2018, Mexico is the country with the largest number of native Spanish speakers worldwide. Mexican Spanish is influenced by English and Nahuatl, and has about 120 million users. The Mexican government uses Spanish in the majority of its proceedings, however it recognizes 68 national languages, 63 of which are indigenous.

Indigenous languages spoken

Of the indigenous languages spoken, two of the most widely used are Nahuatl and Maya. Due to a history of marginalization of indigenous groups, most indigenous languages are endangered, and many linguists warn they might cease to be used after a span of just a few decades. In recent years, legislative attempts such as the San Andréas Accords have been made to protect indigenous groups, who make up about 25 million of Mexico’s 125 million total inhabitants, though the efficacy of such measures is yet to be seen.

Digital Spanish Language Learning Market Outlook

The global market size for digital Spanish language learning was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 3.8 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 13.6% from 2024 to 2032. This impressive growth is driven by numerous factors, including the increasing globalization and cultural exchange, technological advancements in digital learning platforms, and the rising demand for multilingual proficiency in the professional world. These growth factors are collectively contributing to the substantial expansion of the digital Spanish language learning market.

One of the primary growth drivers for this market is the increasing globalization of business and the growing importance of Spanish as a global language. With over 580 million speakers worldwide, Spanish ranks as the second most spoken native language, following Mandarin. Businesses, educational institutions, and individuals are increasingly recognizing the value of Spanish proficiency, leading to a surge in demand for effective and accessible language learning solutions. This trend is particularly pronounced in the corporate sector, where organizations are looking to enhance their workforce's language skills to facilitate better communication with Spanish-speaking clients and partners.

Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in propelling the market forward. The proliferation of smartphones, high-speed internet connections, and advanced software applications has made digital language learning more accessible and engaging. Innovative features such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and immersive virtual reality experiences are being integrated into language learning platforms, providing users with personalized and interactive learning experiences. These technological innovations are not only enhancing the effectiveness of language learning but also making it more appealing to a broader audience.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the growth of the digital Spanish language learning market. With traditional classroom-based learning disrupted, there has been a significant shift towards online education, including language learning. The convenience, flexibility, and accessibility offered by digital platforms have attracted a diverse range of learners, from individual enthusiasts to educational institutions and corporate entities. This shift is expected to have a lasting impact, with online and digital learning becoming an integral part of the education landscape even in the post-pandemic era.

Regionally, North America and Europe have been at the forefront of adopting digital Spanish language learning solutions, driven by a combination of high internet penetration, a strong emphasis on education, and a multicultural population. However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a significant growth market, fueled by increasing interest in language learning, rapid digitalization, and the growing presence of global businesses requiring multilingual capabilities. Latin America, with its native Spanish-speaking population, also presents substantial opportunities for market expansion, particularly in the educational and corporate sectors.

The rise of the Language Learning App has significantly contributed to the accessibility and convenience of acquiring new languages. These apps offer a variety of features, such as interactive exercises, real-time feedback, and community engagement, which make learning more engaging and effective. The ability to learn anytime and anywhere has made language learning apps particularly popular among busy professionals and students who seek to integrate language acquisition into their daily routines. As technology continues to evolve, these apps are incorporating advanced features like speech recognition and AI-driven personalized learning paths, further enhancing the user experience and effectiveness of language learning.

Product Type Analysis

The digital Spanish language learning market is segmented by product type into software, apps, online courses, and tutoring services. Each segment caters to different preferences and needs of learners, offering a diverse range of options for acquiring Spanish language skills. Software solutions, including comprehensive language learning programs, h

Mental health service users complete the SCOPE-C, the Everyday discrimination scale and the SF12. these are all standardised published instruments. They were self-completed or completed with the assistance of research staff. Over 160 patients were assessed.

A number of cross-cultural translation guides have become available over the years which provide guidance about adapting measures for other cultures. Taking into consideration the various available guides, for the purposes of this research we are adopting the guidance from a leading French research institute, which suggests that we proceed as follows. First we need to speak to groups of people in HK to see to what extent their views about the nature of the concept are similar or dissimilar to those in the UK. To do this we use a method known as 'concept mapping'. We then have experts examine the extent to which the items in the UK measure capture these ideas. At this point it may be necessary to add additional items to the new version. We then translate the UK version into Chinese, and back again, and reconcile and clarify any difference. The new version is then piloted in the Chinese communities, and any difficulties ironed out. Once we have obtained an acceptable version of the measure, following piloting we will then apply the measure to different samples. One will be of discharged mental patients in HK and these will be compared to similar patients in the UK to see if their nature and levels of inclusion are similar or not. Another will be of Chinese immigrants to the UK to see if their levels of inclusion are more similar to UK population or HK residents and immigrants. Finally, we will assess whether the new measure compares in the way it should with a widely used standardised measure, and a measure of recovery. The measure and these findings will provide the basis for further community research in Hong Kong, mainland China and in Chinese immigrant communities in other parts of the world. Social inclusion policy impact could be evaluated in these contexts and social interventions could demonstrate how they have helped people to become more included in society.

This study is going to explore whether an English language measure of social inclusion can be translated into an equivalent Chinese measure of inclusion that can be used to assess inclusion in disadvantaged groups such as immigrant groups and people with mental health problems. We will compare some new results for the Chinese version with results from the original research in the UK in several samples: people with mental health problems in the Hong Kong (HK) resident and immigrant populations, and Chinese immigrants in the UK. The advantages of cross-cultural comparison have been reported as testing the boundaries of knowledge and stretching methodological parameters; highlighting important similarities and differences; and the promotion of institutional and intercultural exchange and understanding. The present proposal looks at these matters in relation to the concept of social inclusion in the UK and HK. While we recognise that the concept of social inclusion is a contested one, for the purposes of the current proposal we accept the World Bank definition. Social Inclusion (SI) refers to promoting equal access to opportunities, enabling everyone to contribute to social and economic program and share in its rewards. Interest in cross-cultural measurement issues has grown rapidly since the turn of the century. Although psychologists have taken the lead on measurement issues social work researchers have recognised the importance of developing crosscultural measurement for the profession, especially for work with minority and immigrant groups. Most authors agree on the fundamental areas in which the new questionnaire should be shown to be equivalent to the original one. These include the concept itself, the questions used to assess it, the precise wording of these questions, and the meaning of the words used in the different languages. Technically, the way each of the items (or variables) relate to each other and to the underlying concepts should be the same in both cultures, for full equivalence to be demonstrated.

Context:

The fact that some languages extensively use suffixes and prefixes to convey grammatical meaning(e.g. subject-verb agreement) poses a challenge to most current human language technology (HLT). Suffixes and prefixes in such languages can more generally be called morphemes, which are defined as the meaningful subparts of words. The rules that languages use to combine morphemes, together with the actual morphemes that they use (i.e. suffixes and prefixes themselves), are both referred to as a language's morphology. Languages which make extensive use of morphemes to build words are said to be morphologically-rich. These include languages such as Turkish and can be contrasted with so-called analytic languages such as Mandarin Chinese, which does not use suffixes or prefixes all.

The goal of the Universal Morphological Feature Schema is to allow an inflected word from any language to be dened by its lexical meaning (typically carried in the root or stem) and by a rendering of its inflectional morphemes in terms of features from the schema (i.e. a vector of universal morphological features). When an inflected word is defined in this way, it can then be translated into any other language since all other inflected words from all other languages can also be defined in terms of the Universal Morphological Feature Schema. Although building an interlingual representation for the semantic content of human language as a whole is typically seen as prohibitively difficult, the comparatively small extent of grammatical meanings that are conveyed by overt, affixal inflectional morphology places a natural bound on the range of meaning that must be expressed by an interlingua for inflectional morphology.

Content:

This dataset contains Unimorph morphological annotations for 352 languages. Each language’s annotations are in a separate file, and each file has a different number of words.

Many cells in each file are empty. This is because not every feature that is annotated applies to every part of speech. Nouns, for example, do not have a tense. In addition, not every language makes use of every possible morphological marking. For instance, English does not have an evidentiality inflection, while other languages, like Mongolian and Eastern Pomo, do.

Acknowledgments:

The Unimorph framework was developed by John Sylak-Glassman. If you use this framework in your work, please cite the following paper:

Sylak-Glassman, J. (2016). The composition and use of the universal morphological feature schema (unimorph schema). Technical report, Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University.

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By 2035, nearly ** million people are predicted to call Guangzhou home. As one of the key cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou’s vibrancy is very attractive to people searching for their opportunities there.

Megacity – Guangzhou

As China’s cities become increasingly urbanized, the demographic of this megacity has also changed considerably over the years, with more and more Chinese locals and foreigners opting to dwell in Guangzhou for work and cultural opportunities. Together with Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, Guangzhou is listed as one of China’s first-tier cities, indicating its great economic power and developing potential. Guangzhou has been a large port of China for over *** thousand years and has contributed significantly to the economic and cultural exchange between China and the world. Today, the Guangzhou Port is one of the largest in the world.

Multicultural hub

The traces of immigrants from different times to this city can be easily found in Guangzhou’s architecture. In the former colonial area, there are still plenty of old western style buildings. Today’s Guangzhou is one of the Chinese cities with the highest density of skyscrapers in some business areas. The Canton Tower, landmark of Guangzhou, is *** meters tall and the second tallest tower in the world after Tokyo Skytree. In this capital city of the Guangdong province, Cantonese culture is highly respected and well developed. Guangzhou is also one of the Chinese cities with the largest foreign population. Cantonese, Mandarin and English are the widely used languages of the residents in Guangzhou.