Rosetta Stone predicts language trends for 2015

Rosetta Stone predicts language trends for 2015
Preeminent language-learning company foresees seismic shifts in the years ahead

ARLINGTON, VA - December 30, 2014 - How many years until Spanish becomes the predominate language in the United States? Should MBAs be learning Mandarin or Russian? Which languages are growing in popularity and which are fading out of use? Will the mobile device become the go-to platform for language learning-at home and in schools?

As 2014 winds to a close, Rosetta Stone Inc. RST, the world's leader in technology-based learning solutions, offers these predictions for 2015-and beyond:

• By the end of 2015, the number of American homes where a language other than English is spoken will increase by three quarters of a million to nearly 65 million
   
• By the year 2020, Spanish will be spoken by more than 40 million people in the U.S.-representing more than 10% of that year's estimated population of over 300 million
   
• In 2015, Chinese/Mandarin will join Spanish, German, Italian and French as one of the five most popular non-native languages for Americans to learn-moving it ahead of both Japanese and Russian
   
• By 2020, English will become one of the top five non-native languages being learned by Americans
   
• In 2015, the number of U.S. schools K-12 incorporating language-learning technology into their classrooms will increase by double digits
   
• By the end of 2015, the number of bilingual Major League Baseball players will exceed 40%
   
• U.S. policy around immigration and diplomacy (as in Cuba) will accelerate the considerable uptick of Spanish language use in America during the term of the next  president-whether Democrat or Republican
   
• In 2015, people will study language more on their mobile devices and phones than on desktop or laptop computers
   
• In 2015, experimentation with online language-translation tools will result in more people learning new languages through premium solutions such as those offered by Rosetta Stone

"We've never experienced a shift in language-related trends as rapid and remarkable as what seen over the last ten years," said Steve Swad, President and CEO of Rosetta Stone. "And we believe there is even more to come. Emerging markets, changing demographics, mobile technology developments, social media adoption, and a shift towards globalization in education and business will all contribute to extraordinary next decade in the language-learning industry."

Certain information contained in this release constitutes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Rosetta Stone's current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. 

About Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone Inc. RST is dedicated to changing the way the world learns. The company's innovative technology-driven language, reading and brain fitness solutions are used by thousands of schools, businesses, government organizations and millions of individuals around the world. Founded in 1992, Rosetta Stone pioneered the use of interactive software to accelerate language learning. Today the company offers courses in 30 languages, from the most commonly spoken (such as English, Spanish and Mandarin) to the less prominent (including Swahili, Swedish and Tagalog). Since 2013, Rosetta Stone has expanded beyond language and deeper into education-technology with its acquisitions of Livemocha, Lexia Learning, Fit Brains, and Tell Me More. Rosetta Stone is based in Arlington, VA, and has offices around the world. For more information, visit www.rosettastone.com.

"Rosetta Stone" and related trademarks used herein are the property of Rosetta Stone and are used and/or registered in the United States and other countries.

Media Contacts:

Jonathan Mudd
jmudd@rosettastone.com
571-357-7148

Miranda Harper/Finn Partners
rosettastone@finnpartners.com
212-715-1641