Languages likely to be more common:
* Spanish: Spanish has consistently been the most popular foreign language in American schools for decades. Its popularity has likely grown further due to the increasing Hispanic population in the US and its importance in global business and communication.
* Mandarin Chinese: Interest in Mandarin Chinese has surged in recent years due to China's growing economic and political influence. More schools are offering Mandarin programs.
* Arabic: While not as widespread as Spanish or Chinese, Arabic has gained some traction due to its relevance in international affairs, the Middle East, and the growing Muslim population in the US.
Reasons for change:
* Global economic and political shifts: The rise of China and other Asian economies has increased interest in Asian languages.
* Immigration patterns: The influx of immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries has reinforced the demand for Spanish language instruction.
* Increased awareness of cultural diversity: There's a growing recognition of the value of learning languages other than English for fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Languages likely to be less common:
* French and German: While still popular, these languages may have seen a slight decline in popularity as other languages, such as Spanish and Mandarin, have gained prominence.
Important Note:
These trends are generalizations. The specific languages offered and their popularity vary significantly across different schools, regions, and demographics in the US.
To get a more precise answer, you would need to look at specific data from the US Department of Education or other reliable sources on foreign language enrollment in schools over the past 20 years.