Do these platforms offer courses in languages other than English

I’m trying to learn a new language, and I’m exploring different online learning platforms. I’m primarily interested in knowing if platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise offer courses that are taught in languages other than English. I know some have language learning courses for different languages, but I’m curious if there are courses, say in engineering or history, that are conducted in Spanish, French, or Mandarin, for example. Are there filters I can use on these platforms to find such courses? I’m especially interested in courses that might be targeting native speakers of those languages.

Answer

Many online learning platforms offer courses in languages other than English. The specific languages available and the depth of the course offerings vary significantly from platform to platform. Here’s a detailed overview of some major platforms and their multilingual capabilities:

Coursera:

• Yes, Coursera offers a substantial number of courses in languages other than English.
• Language Variety: Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Korean, and Japanese are frequently represented. Less common languages may also be available, but to a lesser extent.
• Content Types: Offerings include individual courses, Specializations (series of related courses), Professional Certificates, and even full degree programs in languages other than English.
• Translation/Subtitles: Many English-language courses on Coursera offer subtitles in multiple languages, allowing learners to access content even if they don’t fully understand the original English audio. Likewise, many courses in other languages have English subtitles available.
• Instructor Language: Courses are generally taught in the language specified.
• Partnerships: Coursera partners with universities and institutions globally, which helps contribute to the diversity of language offerings. For instance, a university in Spain might offer courses taught in Spanish.
• Search Filters: Coursera has search filters that allow users to filter results by language, making it easy to find courses taught in a specific language.

edX:

• Yes, edX also offers courses in languages other than English.
• Language Variety: Similar to Coursera, you’ll find a concentration in languages like Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and sometimes others like Italian, German, and Portuguese.
• Partnerships: edX is founded by Harvard and MIT and partners with numerous universities worldwide. This global network increases the likelihood of finding courses in different languages.
• Degree Programs: Offers full degree programs in languages other than English.
• Subtitles/Transcripts: Many courses have subtitles available in multiple languages.
• Search Filters: EdX has language filters to refine your search.

Udemy:

• Yes, Udemy hosts a vast library of courses, and a significant portion is in languages other than English.
• Language Variety: Because Udemy is a platform where instructors can create and sell their own courses, the variety of languages is broader than on platforms that primarily host university-created content. You’ll find courses in major languages, but also a greater chance of finding courses in less common languages.
• Content Creation: Individual instructors worldwide create courses in their native languages.
• Quality Variation: The quality of courses on Udemy can vary since it’s an open platform. It’s important to carefully review instructor ratings and course previews before enrolling.
• Subtitles: Many Udemy courses offer subtitles, but availability depends on whether the instructor has created them.
• Breadth of Topics: Offers a wide range of topics taught in different languages.
• Search Functionality: Udemy allows you to filter courses by language.

Khan Academy:

• Yes, Khan Academy makes a strong effort to translate its content into numerous languages.
• Language Variety: Khan Academy content is available in dozens of languages, making it one of the most multilingual platforms. These include Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Hindi, Swahili, Turkish, and many more.
• Translation Efforts: Khan Academy relies on volunteer translators to make its content accessible globally.
• Focus: Khan Academy’s primary focus is on math, science, and some humanities topics.
• Accessibility: Khan Academy prioritizes free access and aims to provide educational resources to a global audience.

FutureLearn:

• Yes, FutureLearn offers courses in languages other than English, though perhaps not to the same extent as Coursera or Udemy.
• Language Variety: While English-language courses dominate, you can find courses in languages like Spanish, French, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese.
• Partnerships: FutureLearn partners with UK universities and institutions, as well as international organizations, which contributes to the availability of courses in other languages.
• Subtitles: Offers subtitles in a number of languages.

Skillshare:

• Yes, Skillshare offers courses in languages other than English.
• Language Variety: The variety of languages is dependent on the course creators. You’ll find some courses in common languages like Spanish and French, but it’s less consistent than on platforms like Coursera.
• Creative Focus: Skillshare primarily focuses on creative skills (e.g., design, photography, writing).
• Instructor-Driven: Instructors upload their own courses.
• Subscription Model: Skillshare uses a subscription-based model.

Duolingo:

• Yes, Duolingo is specifically designed for language learning. English is one of the languages offered for native speakers of other languages.
• Language Variety: Duolingo offers a wide variety of language courses.
• Focus: Duolingo’s primary focus is language acquisition.
• Gamification: Duolingo uses gamification techniques to make language learning engaging.
• Free (with Subscription Option): Duolingo offers a free version with a subscription option for ad-free access and additional features.

General Observations:

• Dominant Languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, and Portuguese are the most commonly offered languages after English on most of these platforms.
• Subtitles/Translations: The availability of subtitles and translations is a crucial factor for learners who aren’t fluent in the language of instruction. Always check if subtitles are available in your preferred language.
• Platform Focus: Platforms like Duolingo are dedicated to language learning, while others like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer a broader range of subjects taught in different languages.
• Instructor Quality: On platforms where individual instructors create courses (e.g., Udemy, Skillshare), it’s important to carefully evaluate the instructor’s credentials and course reviews.
• Search and Filters: Always use the platform’s search filters to find courses in your desired language. Try searching for the subject you’re interested in, followed by the language (e.g., "Marketing Spanish").
• Regional Considerations: Some platforms may have a stronger focus on languages spoken in the regions where they are based. For example, a European platform might have a greater selection of European languages.

In conclusion, many online learning platforms cater to a multilingual audience. The extent and quality of these offerings vary. It is important to research the specific language and course you are interested in to determine the best platform.