Abstract:

The following research analyses the effects of global socioeconomic trends on the market of foreign language teaching in Russia. The focus is placed on how the demand is increasing for specific languages (Chinese, Arabic) as a result of the impulsive industrial development of these countries and regions, together with the appearance of a new segment of consumers (the elderly), caused by the increasing average of human lifespan and the strengthening of the «Silver Economy».

In the field of foreign language teaching the author includes commercial services, offered by private schools, language courses, private tutors and also secondary and higher educational institutions. The latter is not only subjected to great state control, but also to the influence of global trends.

In the first part of the research significant global trends are stated, along with analysis of the changes produced by them on the market of foreign language teaching. In addition, the already mentioned «Silver Economy», which is now developing in Russia, can register trends like lifelong learning and the maintenance of mental health of elderly people. As a result, more adults are learning foreign languages not for studying or working abroad, but just for personal growth and pleasure. Moreover, it is not possible to ignore the phenomenon of general digitalization, which includes several programmes, apps and internet platforms, having a great impact on the whole teaching market. Gaming is of great significance; in this case, it is used as a synonym of edutainment, together with an interdisciplinary approach to education.

In the second part of the research, the author draws some conclusions about the future development of this field of study and provides solutions, which may coincide with the consumers’ demands. A change in the demand system requires also a change in the market commercial offer. For example, new products have already appeared on the market; however, this is more like an exception to the rule.

In the context of the political and economic crisis of Russian companies, as well as in foreign language teaching, quick responses, flexibility and innovative decisions are needed.

The aim of this research is, particularly, to find an interesting solution for the long established problem in this field of study.

Keywords:

Socioeconomic trends, market of foreign language teaching in Russia, silver economy, digitalisation.