* Diverse languages: There are over 100 different Karen languages, each with varying numbers of speakers.
* Lack of reliable data: Accurate census data on language use is not always available for all Karen communities, especially those in more remote areas.
* Interconnectedness: Many Karen speakers are bilingual or multilingual, meaning they may speak a Karen language alongside another language like Burmese or Thai.
However, we can estimate:
* Total Karen population: It's estimated that there are around 2 million Karen people worldwide.
* Majority speakers: While not all Karen people speak a Karen language fluently, a large majority do.
Based on these factors, it's reasonable to assume that at least several hundred thousand people speak Karen languages.
It's important to note that this is a rough estimate, and the actual number could be higher or lower.