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> The vast majority of people do not speak using the simple terms that are in those 100 top lists. It really depends who you're talking to. I've seen claims, a
by yosito 5y ago
> The vast majority of people do not speak using the simple terms that are in those 100 top lists.
It really depends who you're talking to. I've seen claims, and I believe them, that in many languages the average person has about a 500 word vocabulary that they're using on a daily basis.
Someone who is more educated than the average person is likely to use a larger vocabulary, but they're also more likely to be able to simplify their speech to accomodate you and make it possible for you to communicate with them.
- throwaway55421 5y agoYes, but this is really distinct from understanding a language. You might be able to have a very basic one on one conversation with someone who is speaking directly to you. Now sit in the corner at a bar, party, in a conference, lecture hall, or even watch a movie without subtitles, and try to understand anything at all. In most if not all languages that's impossible with a 500 word vocab.