Language Popularity

What is the most populous language of the world? Mandarin Chinese, right? Well, no.
It depends how you define popular. Is it the most understood language?
A quick check of Wikipedia shows these numbers.
• First, what is the most popular mother tongue -- Yes, the population of China says it is Mandarin.
• Second, what is the most popular language learned as a second language? English is the international language needed in almost any international activity.
• Lastly, what is the total of language speakers. Surprise.

Most populous first language, native language, mother tongue.
Mandarin	855 million
Hindi	366 million
Spanish	358 million
English	341 million
Arabic	206 million
Most populous language learned as a second language.
Mandarin			178 million
Hindi			-
Spanish			59 million
English			850 million
Arabic			216 million
Most popular language spoken in the world?
Mandarin	855 million	+	178 million	=	1,050 million
Hindi	366 million	+	-	=	366 million
Spanish	358 million	+	59 million	=	417 million
English	341 million	+	850 million	=	1,500 million
Arabic	206 million	+	216 million	=	422 million


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_languages_by_number_of_native_speakers

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