Here are some common ways to measure language popularity, and the top contenders for each:
* Number of native speakers:
* Mandarin Chinese: This is the language spoken by the largest number of people as their first language.
* Total number of speakers:
* English: This includes native speakers and people who speak English as a second language.
* Official language status:
* English: It is the official language of many countries and international organizations.
* Internet usage:
* English: It dominates the internet, particularly for websites and content.
* Global influence:
* English: It holds considerable cultural and economic influence, making it a widely studied language.
Ultimately, "most popular" is subjective. While English has a strong claim to the title based on its global reach and influence, Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in terms of native speakers.