Here's why:
* Historical Spread: While Indo-European languages originated in the Pontic-Caspian steppe and spread through migrations, their global reach is largely a result of European colonialism. European empires, from the British to the French and Spanish, colonized vast swathes of the world, imposing their languages on native populations.
* Language Shift: This forced assimilation often led to language shift, where indigenous languages were replaced by the language of the colonizers. This is especially evident in the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia.
* Global Power: The dominance of European languages was further reinforced by their association with economic and political power. English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese became languages of international trade, diplomacy, and education, influencing the spread of these languages worldwide.
While other factors played a role (such as migration and trade), it's crucial to acknowledge the role of colonialism in shaping the current linguistic landscape.
It's important to note that this dominance isn't necessarily a positive phenomenon. Language shift and the suppression of indigenous languages can have detrimental effects on cultural identity and diversity.