* Number of speakers: If you define "major" as having a large number of speakers, then the number could be around 10-15 languages, depending on the specific criteria used.
* Geographical distribution: "Major" could also refer to languages spoken in many countries or across large geographical regions. This definition would likely include a larger number of languages.
* Cultural influence: Some languages might be considered "major" due to their influence on literature, science, or other cultural aspects. This is more subjective.
Here are some lists of major languages, based on different criteria:
* Top 10 most spoken languages by native speakers: Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Punjabi.
* Top 10 most spoken languages overall (including second language speakers): English, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Russian, Portuguese, Indonesian, and Urdu.
Ultimately, the number of "major" languages is a matter of perspective and the criteria used to define "major".