* Native Speakers: While Mandarin Chinese has more native speakers than English, English has a significantly larger number of total speakers due to its global reach.
* Second Language: English is widely learned as a second language for various reasons:
* Global Trade and Business: English is the dominant language in international commerce, finance, and many industries.
* Education and Research: Many universities and scientific publications use English, making it essential for academics and researchers.
* Media and Entertainment: English-language media (movies, music, TV) is immensely popular worldwide.
* Tourism and Travel: English is widely understood in many tourist destinations.
Therefore, while Mandarin Chinese leads in native speakers, English's prevalence as a second language makes it the second most spoken language globally.