Here's what we know:
* English is overwhelmingly the most taught language globally.
* Spanish and French are often considered to be close contenders for the second spot.
* Mandarin Chinese is also a strong contender, especially in Asia.
Factors that influence the ranking include:
* Number of learners: This data can be difficult to gather accurately, especially for languages like Mandarin, which may have a large number of native speakers also learning the language formally.
* Number of countries where the language is taught: French is taught in many countries around the world, making it a strong contender.
* Government policies and educational programs: Some countries prioritize the teaching of certain languages over others, influencing the ranking.
Therefore, it's safe to say that French is definitely among the most taught languages in the world, but its exact ranking can vary based on different criteria.