* Defining a language is complex: There's no clear-cut definition of what constitutes a separate language. Dialects, creoles, and language families blur the lines.
* Constantly evolving: New languages are emerging, while others are dying out or merging.
* Unrecorded languages: Many languages, especially in remote areas, have never been documented or studied.
However, estimates vary widely. Some sources suggest there are around 7,000 languages spoken globally, while others put the number closer to 10,000 or even 14,000.
Ultimately, the number of languages is constantly fluctuating and depends on how you define "language."