Non-English Music Inspires 1 in 4 Fans to Learn a New Language
UK music fans are turning to global hits in record numbers – helping spark new interest in language learning even as uptake in schools hits historic lows*. New research from O2 reveals more than a quarter (28%) have discovered non‑English artists such as BTS, Bad Bunny and Rosalía in the past year, with a similar proportion (25%) saying it has inspired them to consider learning a new language.
Despite fewer than one in five music fans (18%) being able to speak more than one language, the study highlights the growing influence of global music, with two in five people (40%) now streaming songs in languages they don’t fully understand. Spanish-language (16%) and K-pop (10%) tracks rank among the most popular non‑English genres.
Nearly three in four (72%) music fans say listening to songs in another language can help them learn it, showing playlists are becoming a powerful tool for language discovery. To help fans better connect with the lyrics and languages they love, Priority from O2 is offering three months of Super Duolingo for free (worth £32.97), available now until Monday 31 August.
O2 also asked Brits to name their all-time favourite non‑English track, with 2017’s Latin pop and reggaeton hit Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (featuring Justin Bieber) coming out on top. Contemporary stars including BLACKPINK and Bad Bunny feature in the top ten, alongside legendary artists such as Édith Piaf and Serge Gainsbourg.
The most loved non-English songs of all time
Ranking
Most loved non-English songs of all time
Percentage of fans that voted it their favourite
1st
Despacito by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber
21%
2nd
Gangnam Style by Psy
14%
3rd
Macarena by Los Del Rio
11%
4th
Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
8%
5th
99 Luftballoons by Nena
6%
6th
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Édith Piaf
5%
Dtmf by Bad Bunny
5%
Nessun Dorma by Pavarotti
5%
7th
On by BTS
3%
How You Like That by Blackpink
3%
Berghain by Rosalía
3%
8th
Je T’aime Moi Non Plus by Serge Gainsbourg
1%
Hoppipolla by Sigur Rós
1%
Bombaleo by Gypsy Kings
1%
Lisa Johnstone, Director of Priority, Loyalty & Reward at Virgin Media O2 said: “Priority is all about helping our customers to get more out of life, and save money at the same time – what better way to do that than with three free months of Super Duolingo this summer? We can’t wait to see what our members get out of this reward, whether it’s picking up some Spanish or learning the lyrics to their favourite K-pop song. We’ll see you at a gig this summer for a sing-along.”
Priority members can explore a wide range of languages on Super Duolingo, from Spanish and Irish to Korean and more. The benefits of Super Duolingo include:
No ads: Learn without interruptions
Unlimited energy: Enabled unlimited energy so mistakes can’t slow down the user
Personalised practise: Receive personalised lessons to practice mistakes
Unlimited attempts at challenges: Master each unit of learning by reaching legendary status
What’s more, O2 is the only major provider that offers inclusive EU roaming (up to 25GB) at no extra cost, helping customers stay connected across Europe – so they can head abroad and practice their new language skills, without the worry of additional roaming charges.
Priority is included at no extra cost for Virgin Media and O2 customers, saving members an average of £339 per year (Uswitch)*. Other rewards on Priority include a free Greggs hot drink the morning after England or Scotland’s group stage games, as well a free Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich (120ml) exclusively at selected Co‑op stores between 22–28 June.
