What Are the Least Spoken Languages in the World?
We often hear about global languages like English, Spanish, or Mandarin. But did you know that some languages are spoken by just a few hundred—or even just a few—people today? Around the world, there are thousands of lesser-known languages that are in danger of disappearing completely. These languages carry unique stories, cultures, and traditions, and many people are now working hard to save them.
Here are some of the rarest and least spoken languages from different parts of the world.
Caribbean Languages
Languages in the Caribbean were shaped by a mix of native, European, and African languages. Over time, new languages developed, including Garifuna, Patwa, and Bajan. Garifuna has a unique origin story—it was spoken by West African people who were shipwrecked on the island of St. Vincent. Today, the Endangered Language Alliance (ELA) is helping preserve this language and others by working with local communities.
Himalayan Languages
High in the mountains of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and China, rare languages like Loke, Sherpa, Machad, and Sunwar are still spoken—but by very few people. These languages are so rare that even spell check doesn’t recognize them! Linguists from the Himalayan Languages Project travel for months just to find a speaker. They work hard to record and write down the grammar of these endangered languages before they vanish completely.
Meso-American Languages
In parts of Mexico and Central America, indigenous languages like Amuzgo, Mixe, Purhepecha, and Zapotec are slowly disappearing. Although many people speak versions of Mixtec in western Mexico, other related languages are vanishing. Poverty, civil war, and migration are some of the reasons these languages are being lost. Only about 6–8% of people in the region still speak indigenous languages.
Celtic Languages
Languages like Irish (Gaelic), Welsh, and Scottish Gaelic are part of the Celtic language family. In Ireland, fewer than 2% of people speak Irish daily. In Scotland and Wales, similar patterns exist. Luckily, these languages are being taught in schools again, and more children are learning them as second languages.
Iranic Languages
Wakhi is one of the most endangered Iranic languages. Spoken in parts of Central Asia, it is poorly documented and spoken by very few people. Political and social issues have made it hard for these languages to survive. Many related dialects are disappearing too.
Middle Eastern Languages
Although the Middle East is known for Arabic, there are a few rare languages still used in small communities. Neo-Mandaic and Neo-Aramaic are two examples. Some Jewish families also speak Judeo-Median or Judeo-Arabic. Researchers are working with immigrants and refugees in the United States to record and preserve these languages.
Circassian Languages
Languages like Abzakh, Kabardian, Bzedukh, and Maykop are spoken in southern Russia and a few other countries, including Turkey, Syria, and Israel. In one Turkish village, Hakurinohabl, most people still speak Abzakh. However, even these small strongholds are at risk if younger generations stop using the language.
Italian Regional Languages
Italy is famous for its standard Italian language, spoken by about 63 million people. But there are also 31 endangered regional languages like Sicilian, Venetian, and Friulian. As children grow up speaking standard Italian or even English, these local languages are slowly fading away.
Darfurian Languages
Africa has around 2,000 to 3,000 languages, but many are rarely spoken today. In Darfur, a region of South Sudan, languages like Beria and Masalit are endangered. War and violence have forced people to flee, and many now live in refugee camps where they speak other languages. Sadly, this often leads to the loss of their original language.
Jewish Languages
Jewish languages like Hebrew and Aramaic are often used in religious ceremonies, but there are also everyday languages like Yiddish and Ladino. These languages were once spoken by large communities, but many are now endangered or extinct. Because Jewish languages are often tied to religion instead of geography, it’s difficult to keep them alive without continued use and education.
Helping Kids Discover New Languages
Learning about rare and endangered languages can be an exciting adventure for kids. It helps them understand the world’s diversity and the importance of preserving culture through language. Dinolingo offers more than 50 language courses, including commonly spoken and culturally important languages. With songs, videos, games, and printable materials, kids can explore new ways of thinking and communicating. Dinolingo’s fun reward system and offline content make learning a language part of everyday life for children ages 2–14.
Final Thoughts
Languages are more than just words—they are memories, traditions, and ways of seeing the world. While many rare languages are at risk of disappearing, learning about them and keeping them alive is a way of honoring the people who speak them. By helping children explore both popular and lesser-known languages, we can keep the world’s voices alive for generations to come.