* Defining a language: What constitutes a distinct language versus a dialect is often subjective and depends on criteria like mutual intelligibility, historical development, and social recognition.
* Continuously evolving: Languages are dynamic and change over time. New languages emerge, while others become extinct or merge with others.
* Data limitations: Accurate and comprehensive data about all languages globally is difficult to gather and maintain.
Estimates:
* Ethnologue, a widely respected source, lists over 7,100 languages.
* UNESCO estimates that around 2,500 languages are endangered.
* Some estimates suggest that there may be as many as 10,000 languages, including those with limited documentation.
It's important to remember that these numbers are estimations and the actual number of languages is likely somewhere within this range.