Top 10 most widely spoken languages in the world; Indian languages in list

As language is a fundamental aspect of our human experience, connecting us to the world, Ethnologue recently released a list of the top 10 most widely spoken languages worldwide (as of 2023).

According to it, these languages are spoken natively by around 88% of the world’s population, with many hundreds of millions more speaking them as a second language, with this ranking accounting for both total usage worldwide.

The 10 most widely spoken languages in the world:

1. English:

With approximately 1.5 billion speakers, English is the most spoken language globally. An official UN language, the English language plays a vital role in international business, science, and diplomacy. Its popularity has been further boosted by the internet, where it has become the primary language of communication, contributing to its widespread adoption and accessibility.

2. Mandarin Chinese:

Following closely, Mandarin Chinese, which boasts around 1.1 billion speakers, primarily in China and Taiwan, is the second most spoken language globally, and it holds a significant position in global communication. Also the official language of the UN, Mandarin’s influence extends to Chinese-speaking communities worldwide, making it a valuable language for business and cultural exchange.

3. Hindi

With 609.5 million speakers, Hindi is a prominent language in India. It is also one of the official languages of the government. Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, has several dialects, contributing to the linguistic richness of the Indian and South Asian subcontinents. Its cultural significance is evident in Bollywood films and classical literature, making it an important language for cultural exchange and entertainment.

4. Spanish:

Also one of the UN’s official languages, Spanish has roots in Latin and boasts a diverse global community of speakers, which is crucial for business communication and cultural exchange. It is the official language of twenty countries, and its cultural impact reaches far beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish is known for its melodious sound and romanticism, making it a popular language choice for learners around the world.

5. French:

French, belonging to the Indo-European language family and another official language of the UN, is the official language of France and several countries in Africa, Canada, and more, making it an important language for business and cultural exchange. It is also a popular language for literature, art, and cinema, contributing to its global popularity.

6. Standard Arabic:

Arabic is a major language in the Arab world, used for government purposes and official speeches and documents exclusively. Based on Standard Arabic as a foundation, one can learn the various Arabic dialects around the region. Further, Arabic literature also makes use of this language for easy accessibility, making it a valuable language for cultural exchange and literature.

7. Bengali:

Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and is widely spoken in the Indian state of West Bengal. Known for its poetic and artistic traditions, Bengali has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to literature, music, and cinema. It is a valuable language for cultural exchange and entertainment.

8. Portuguese:

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal and several other countries in South America. Its unique phonetics and expressions contribute to its distinctiveness, and the language’s legacy is deeply embedded in the history of exploration and trade. It is a valuable language for business and cultural exchange in Portuguese-speaking countries.

9. Russian:

Russian, with its Cyrillic script, holds a central place in the cultural and political landscape of Russia and neighbouring countries. The language’s unique phonetics and expressive vocabulary add to its charm, making it a fascinating subject of study for language enthusiasts worldwide. It is also a valuable language for business and cultural exchange in Russian-speaking countries.

10. Urdu:

Urdu is known as the language of poets and carries immense cultural significance. It is the official language of Pakistan and is widely spoken in northern India. Urdu is an invaluable vehicle for carrying forward the cultural heritage of South Asia, with contributions to literature, music, and cinema. It is a valuable language for cultural exchange and entertainment in South Asia.