* Defining a language: Is a dialect a separate language? Are regional variations of a language considered distinct? Should languages with very few speakers be included?
* Counting methods: Some count based on official recognition, others on the number of speakers, and still others on linguistic criteria.
Estimates vary widely, but generally fall within these ranges:
* 6,500-7,100: This range is commonly cited as the number of languages spoken today.
* Up to 14,000: Some estimates, which include smaller, less documented languages, reach this figure.
Important notes:
* Extinction: Many languages are facing extinction, and the number of languages spoken is constantly changing.
* Language families: Many languages belong to larger families, sharing common roots and similarities.
To put it simply: There is no precise answer to how many languages are spoken in the world. It's a complex and ever-changing landscape.