* Word Definition: What counts as a "word" can be subjective. Some languages have complex grammatical structures where a single word can convey multiple meanings, while others use more independent words.
* Language Documentation: Some languages are poorly documented, meaning we don't have a full inventory of their vocabulary.
* Language Vitality: Many languages are endangered or even extinct, and their vocabulary may have been lost.
However, some languages are often cited as having very small vocabularies:
* Rotokas: A language spoken in Papua New Guinea, Rotokas is known for its incredibly small phonetic inventory (only 12 sounds) and a relatively small number of words. Estimates vary, but some suggest a vocabulary of around 300-600 words.
* Pirahã: Spoken in the Amazon rainforest, Pirahã has been claimed to have a vocabulary of only about 100 words. However, this claim is controversial and is subject to debate.
* Svan: A language spoken in the Caucasus Mountains, Svan is known for its limited vocabulary and complex grammar. Estimates place the vocabulary at around 500 words.
It's important to note that these languages, even with their small vocabularies, have intricate grammatical structures and can express a wide range of ideas. The number of words in a language doesn't necessarily reflect its complexity or expressive power.