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Amodern language is anyhuman language that is currently in use as anative language. The term is used inlanguage education to distinguish between languages which are used for day-to-day communication (such asFrench andGerman) anddeadclassical languages such asLatin andClassical Chinese, which are studied for their cultural and linguistic value.[citation needed]SIL Ethnologue defines aliving language as "one that has at least one speaker for whom it is their first language" (see alsoLanguage § Linguistic diversity).
Modern languages are taught extensively around the world; seesecond language acquisition.English is taught as asecond orforeign language in many countries; seeEnglish language learning and teaching.
International auxiliary languages are by definition not associated with a particular country or geographic region.Esperanto is probably the best-known and most widespread.Interlingua, a much less popular, but still growing auxiliary language, is likewise spoken mainly inNorthern andEastern Europe and inSouth America, with substantial numbers of speakers inCentral Europe,Ukraine, andRussia. Constructed languages from more recent years with sizable user communities areKlingon,Toki Pona andInterslavic.
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