* No official global tracking: There's no central organization that tracks language learning across the globe.
* Varying definitions of "learn": What does "learn" mean? Does it include casual learners, formal students, or people who are already fluent?
* Data collection challenges: Gathering accurate data on language learning across diverse countries and cultures is difficult.
However, we can look at some estimates and trends:
* The Confucius Institute: The Confucius Institute, a government-funded organization promoting Chinese language and culture, reports that over 170 million people are learning Chinese globally. This number includes students at Confucius Institutes and other institutions.
* Confucius Institute Headquarters: The Confucius Institute Headquarters reported that over 200 million people worldwide were learning Chinese in 2018.
* The number of learners is growing: The demand for Chinese language learning continues to rise due to factors like economic growth in China, cultural exchange, and the increasing importance of Chinese in international communication.
In conclusion, while an exact number is unavailable, it's safe to say that hundreds of millions of people around the world are learning Chinese.