THE MOST COMMON LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD IS… NOT WHAT YOU THINK

“What’s the most common language in the world?” It’s a question that seems simple – until you actually try to answer it. Most people I ask instinctively say English, and that makes sense. On our recent cruise through Europe, my wife and I found ourselves surrounded by passengers from all over the globe. Despite the different accents and backgrounds, English was the thread that tied us all together – it was everyone’s second language, and yet somehow, the one that connected us.

But statistically speaking, Mandarin Chinese holds the top spot in terms of native speakers. English comes in third, even though it dominates in global communication, business, and travel. And then there’s a lesser-known contender: Esperanto – the world’s most widely spoken constructed international language. It was designed to bring people together, regardless of nationality. Around two million people speak Esperanto today.

I learned Esperanto as a teenager in Riga, Latvia, where I grew up. Back then, it felt like a secret code shared by dreamers who believed in unity. I remember just two phrases: “Homo kio esperas Esperanto estas Esperantisto.” (“A person who speaks Esperanto is an Esperantist.”) And my favorite: “Mi amas vi.” Any guesses? It means: “I love you.”

But here’s the twist: when it comes to the most commonly communicated language in the world, I’d argue it’s none of the above. It’s Love. It crosses borders, cultures, and dialects. It’s the glance between two people in Lisbon, the hand held tightly in Berlin, the kiss stolen on a bridge in Paris. During our travels, I had the joy of photographing three couples, each in a different country, each speaking the universal language – without saying a word.

If you’re looking for a little more love in your life, check out my new book “Reflections” – a collection of stories, moments, and yes, a few kisses. It’s available now at online stores. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, I’ll happily refund your money – and you can still keep the book or pass it along to someone you love.

MI AMAS VI!

I LOVE YOU!

Care and Share!