How many different languages is there on Earth?

There's no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on how you define "language"!

Here's why it's tricky:

* Dialects vs. Languages: Some languages have many distinct dialects that can be considered separate languages by some linguists, but not by others.

* Mutual Intelligibility: How easy is it for speakers of two different languages to understand each other? Some languages are very close and speakers can often communicate, blurring the line between language and dialect.

* Dead Languages: Should we count languages that are no longer spoken?

However, estimates typically range from 6,000 to 7,000 languages currently spoken.

The Ethnologue, a comprehensive database of languages, lists over 7,100 languages, but acknowledges that this number is constantly evolving and may not be completely accurate.

So, while we can't give a precise number, there are thousands of languages spoken on Earth, each with its own unique history, culture, and beauty.