This article provides a list of languages spoken around the world.
What is Language?
Language refers to a system of human communication that involves a series of sounds made with the mouth. This is also known as speaking or verbal communication. The ability to use sounds to communicate thoughts and feelings is known as speech and is an essential human trait. The scientific study of language in any of its senses is called linguistics.
Although humans began with a single form of communication, the number of languages spoken worldwide ranges from 3000 to 6000. As humans evolved and moved to different world areas, their spoken communications evolved.
New languages emerged, as did different dialects and accents. Over time, those subtle differences developed into completely different languages.
Unfortunately, there is no universal form of communication, leading to communication complications across cultures and borders.
List of Languages Spoken in the World
Following is a list of languages spoken worldwide and the approximate number of people that speak them. Please note that each may contain many different dialects based on regional and cultural differences:
1Chinese Mandarin
More than 1 billion people worldwide speak Chinese Mandarin, making it the most spoken language in the world.
Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken language globally, is an ancient language with a rich history. With over 1 billion speakers, it serves as the official language of China and holds cultural significance beyond its borders. Its complex tones, characters, and grammar make it a fascinating and challenging language. It is most commonly spoken in China, Singapore, and Taiwan.
2English
More than 512 million people speak the English language.
3Hindi
More than 501 million people. It is the official language of India.
4Spanish
399 million people speak Spanish. Spanish is the official language of more than 20 countries. It is most commonly spoken in Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean.
5Russian
More than 285 million people speak Russian.
6Arabic
More than 265 million speak Arabic, mainly in Arab countries.
7Bengali
More than 245 million speak Bengali, mainly in South Asia.
8Portuguese
196 million people speak Portuguese, mainly in South America.
9Malay
140 million people speak Malay in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
10Japanese
125 million people speak Japanese
11German
100 million people speak German
12Korean
78 million people speak the Korean language
13French
77 million people speak French
14Chinese, Wu
77 million people speak Chinese, Wu
15Javanese
75 million people speak Javanese
16Chinese, Yue
71 million people speak Chinese, Yu
The number of people who speak each language changes daily, but the list’s rank order stays relatively consistent.
Questions and Comments
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