UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies
Question 127: Geography
Which one among the following languages has largest number of speakers in the world?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
By the usual count of native speakers, Bengali (over 200 million) leads the four, ahead of Portuguese, Japanese and French. It is spoken in Bangladesh and in India (West Bengal, Tripura and parts of Assam). Language rankings differ with whether second-language speakers are counted, so remember the basis used.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct: Bengali.
- (b) French has fewer native speakers than Bengali.
- (c) Japanese has about 125 million speakers, fewer than Bengali.
- (d) Portuguese has fewer native speakers than Bengali.
Worth knowing: Counting second-language speakers, French has more speakers than Bengali; the key counts native speakers.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.