Eli5: why there are so many languages in Europe? But in America there are less languages?

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I mean, for example south and Central America only have like 2 or 3 languages, and is like the same territory of Europe, but in Europe in a “small” area are more than 6 languages (Portuguese, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian). Focus more in explaining why in Europe are so many languages in such a “small” territory?

Edit 1: yeah I know América has a lot of different indigenous languages and dialects, also Europe. I’m focusing on the principal languages

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Your premise is completely wrong. In addition to the most widely spoken languages in the various countries in North and South America, there are hundreds, if not more indigenous languages. In Mexico alone, there are 68 recognized languages, of which 63 are indigenous. You need to take a long hard look at why you think European languages are the only “real” languages that matter.

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