* No Official Census: The UK doesn't conduct a regular census on language use.
* Diversity: The UK is a very diverse country with a long history of immigration. People speak a vast array of languages, from those of historical significance (like Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish) to modern languages spoken by recent immigrants.
* Language Fluency: Defining what counts as "speaking" a language is subjective. Someone might understand a language but not speak it fluently, or they might have learned a language in school but not use it in everyday life.
However, we can say:
* English is the dominant language. It's the official language and spoken by the vast majority of the population.
* Hundreds of other languages are spoken. The UK's ethnic diversity means there are speakers of languages from all over the world, including Bengali, Punjabi, Urdu, Polish, French, Spanish, German, and many others.
* Regional languages like Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish are recognized and protected. They are still spoken by significant minorities in their respective areas.
Instead of a precise number, it's more accurate to say that the UK is a multilingual country with a rich tapestry of languages reflecting its diverse population.