* Number of speakers: Mandarin Chinese has the most native speakers by far, but if you include second language speakers, English surpasses it. This makes it difficult to say which has the most *total* speakers.
* Geographic spread: English is spoken across a vast expanse of the globe, while Mandarin is primarily concentrated in China and its diaspora.
* Number of dialects: Chinese has many dialects, some of which are mutually unintelligible. This makes it hard to assess its total "extent" in terms of linguistic variation.
* Influence and impact: English has a significant influence on global culture, technology, and business, making it arguably the most "extensive" in terms of its impact.
Ultimately, "most extensive" is a subjective term that depends on what criteria you prioritize.
Instead of trying to rank languages, it's more valuable to recognize and appreciate the diversity and richness of human languages, each with its unique history, structure, and cultural significance.