* What counts as a language? The line between a language and a dialect can be blurry. Some linguists consider closely related languages with mutual intelligibility as dialects, while others see them as distinct languages.
* Endangered languages: Many languages are dying out, and their numbers are constantly changing.
* New languages emerging: Creole languages and sign languages can emerge over time, adding to the total.
Estimates:
* UNESCO: Estimates around 7,100 languages in the world, but with a significant number considered endangered.
* Ethnologue: Lists over 7,100 languages, but this number is constantly being updated and debated.
Key takeaway: While we don't have an exact number, we know there are thousands of languages spoken around the globe, with a wide range of diversity and cultural significance.