However, estimates generally range from 6,000 to 7,000 living languages.
Here's why it's tricky to get an exact number:
* Defining a language: There's no clear line between a language and a dialect. Some linguists might consider two closely related varieties as separate languages while others might view them as dialects of the same language.
* Endangered languages: Many languages have very few speakers and are facing extinction. It can be hard to track their status accurately.
* New languages emerging: New languages can arise through creole formation and other processes.
So, while there's no perfect answer, 6,000 to 7,000 is a widely accepted estimate of the number of living languages in the world.