Quote by Barry Sanders, A is for Ox, 1994
According to the United Nations' latest count, of the approximately 3,000 languages spoken in the world today, only some 78 have a literature. Of those 78, a scant five or six enjoy a truly international audience.
Summary
This quote highlights the staggering diversity of languages in the world, noting that out of around 3,000 spoken languages, only about 78 have a written literary tradition. Even more striking is the fact that only five or six languages have achieved global recognition and a widespread readership. This serves as a reminder of the vast linguistic inequality that exists, with countless languages and their rich cultural expressions at risk of being lost or marginalized. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity to ensure the preservation of global cultural heritage.