Which are the world’s most inuential languages?

There are over 6,000 languages spoken in the world today, but some 2,000 of them count fewer than a thousand speakers. Moreover, just 15 of them account for half of the languages spoken in the world.

Which are the world’s most inuential languages? 

What are the proper metrics to measure the reach and power of languages?

To understand the efficacy of language (and by extension culture), consider the doors (“opportunities”) opened by it. 

Broadly speaking, there are five opportunities provided by language: 

1. Geography: The ability to travel 

2. Economy: The ability to participate in an economy

 3. Communication: The ability to engage in dialogue 

4. Knowledge and media: The ability to consume knowledge and media 

5. Diplomacy: The ability to engage in international relations