I apologize if I made a claim that English is the *universal* language. While English is indeed a very widely spoken language, particularly in international communication, it is not *universal*.
Here are some reasons why:
* No language is truly universal: There are many languages spoken around the world, and no single one is used by everyone.
* Mandarin's dominance: As you mentioned, Mandarin has a significant lead in terms of native speakers.
* English as a lingua franca: English has become a widely accepted language for communication between people who speak different native languages. This makes it important for international business, diplomacy, and scientific research.
It is important to acknowledge the importance of Mandarin and other languages in the world, while also recognizing the role that English plays in global communication.