Language Industry Survey

2004

The more than 600 private sector firms that comprise Canada's language industry (including translation, training and interpretation) recorded over $404 million revenues in 2004, according to benchmark data from a survey. This is the first survey ever to be conducted in this field.

Almost half of these revenues came from classroom and online training services, while translation accounted for more than one-third.

The objective of the Language Industry Survey, conducted on behalf of Industry Canada, is to collect new statistical information on the economic production of the nation's private language industry and its sectors. These data will create an industry profile and provide benchmark data for future surveys to track the industry's economic performance.

Translation services revenues reached $154.1 million, or 38% of total revenue, while interpretation services, which accounted for only 2% of revenues, totalled $8.7 million. Classroom and online language training services reported the highest revenues at $193.2 million, representing 48% of total revenue. Accommodation fees (associated with language study) earned another $23.1 million in revenues.

Language training and translation services that were exported accounted for one-quarter of all revenues ($103.5 million). More than one-third (38%) of translation and interpretation establishments exported goods and services. About 81% of these companies exported to the United States, while 38% exported to Europe.

In terms of language training services, Asia was the main export market. The language training establishments that exported their services (18% of all language training establishments) did so to Asia. Europe and Mexico, South and Central America were also large markets for language training exports.

Industry expenses hit $375.7 million in 2004, largely as a result of operating expenditures, such as rent, hydro, equipment, and wages and salaries. However, $48.7 million (or 13% of all expenses) came from subcontracting translation and interpretation services.

About 7,405 permanent workers, split almost evenly between full-time and part-time workers, were employed by the companies surveyed. Another 6,954 workers were employed on contract. Over one-quarter (2,447) of all workers were employed as English language instructors, while 1,033 were employed as translators.

There were nearly 200,000 enrollments in language training in Canada in 2004. Private language schools accounted for 84% of all schools surveyed, while non-profit language schools represented 9%.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of language schools offered training to foreign students. Asia was the leading region of origin for foreign students in nearly 73% of these schools, followed by  Mexico, South and Central America (17%), and Europe (8%).

Note: Businesses involved in language technology activities were initially included in this survey. However, as there was a limited number of responses, the data cannot be released for confidentiality purposes.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 5090.

An Industry Canada analytical report based on the results is scheduled for publication in spring 2006 on the department's website.

To request data, to obtain more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Shelley Harman (613-951-2000; shelley.harman@statcan.gc.ca), Small Business and Special Surveys Division.